About the author
Hai Rui is known in Chinese history for his uprightness and integrity, and his writings have been passed down widely. This site holds four of his works, including the Memorial on Ordering the State (Zhian Shu), the Complete Works of Lord Hai Zhongjie in twelve volumes, and the Collected Works of Lord Hai Zhongjie. The memorial directly sets out the abuses of the time in frank and blunt language, reflecting a writing orientation that cares about state affairs and dares to offer remonstrance; the collected works bring together various texts, covering political discussion, official documents, and miscellaneous writings, in a plain and severe style that does not rely on ornate diction. Because public information is limited, details of his life and his exact identity still require further verification. Existing classifications place him under social sciences, culture, and literary appreciation, showing that readers study him both for his thought and for his prose. Overall, Hai Rui's writings are characterized by direct political argument and practical advice, and they offer some reference value for understanding the political concerns and literary style of traditional scholars.