Yuan Shijun is an author represented in this Chinese book collection by a single surviving work, Lan Yan Shu Lue (Brief Remarks on Orchid Words). His courtesy name, place of origin, dates of birth and death, life experience and professional identity are all unknown, as public information about him is very limited, and no commonly accepted English rendering of his name has been established. Judging from the surviving work, Lan Yan Shu Lue is classified under Eastern philosophy, which suggests that it may discuss traditional thought, scholarly principles or self-cultivation rather than consisting of purely literary compositions. The phrase "lan yan" (orchid words) in the title carries a classical flavor, evoking refined discourse or the ideal of noble friendship, which indicates a polished and understated prose style. As Yuan Shijun's only extant work, Lan Yan Shu Lue remains to be further examined as to its length and circumstances of composition, yet it serves as the main basis for studying the author and his thought, and as a concrete sample of writings in the same Eastern philosophical vein.
