(清)纪昀

About the Author

Ji Yun (1724-1805), styled Xiaolan and better known by his literary name Rulin, was a distinguished Qing dynasty scholar-official, bibliographer, and writer, renowned for his vast erudition and contributions to Chinese literature. Serving as a high-ranking imperial editor and compiler of the monumental Siku Quanshu, the complete library of the era, Ji Yun exemplified the ideal Confucian intellectual, blending rigorous scholarship with a keen sense of humor and moral insight. His works, particularly the 'Yuewei Caotang Biji' (Notes from the Thatched Hall of Close Scrutiny), offer a rich tapestry of anecdotes, folklore, and social commentary, illuminating the human condition through supernatural tales and everyday observations. As a key figure in the Qianlong and Jiaqing courts, Ji Yun's legacy endures as a bridge between classical tradition and the evolving literary landscape of imperial China, influencing generations with his accessible yet profound prose.