Tingqin in the title alludes to an anecdote about the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove in which Ji Kang stops playing the lute to better listen to Ruan Jian’s instrument and the sounds of nature, symbolizing a state of peace and separation from the world—apparently the author’s state of mind while awaiting to get rehabilitated (see below). Luo Dichu was appointed acting magistrate of Jianli 監利 (Hubei) in 1897 while Zhang Zhidong 張之洞 was Huguang governor-general and Tan Jixun 譚繼洵 Hubei governor. He formally took up the charge (補) in 1898 after several months of “observing” (觀) his predecessor’s administration, in line with a system formerly established by Hu Linyi 胡林翼 (Hubei governor 1855-61). His pref. mentions his successful efforts to suppress long-standing fiscal abuses, handle conflicts between locals and foreign missionaries, and in general face an extremely tense situation. In 1899, following an incident related to tax resistance, he was dismissed for “going against public opinion” (不洽輿情). The seven texts included in the collection, written while Luo was waiting for the document affirming that he had cleared his accounts, which would allow him to apply again for a position, were addressed to the Hubei authorities. They amount to a highly detailed self-vindicating report dealing in great detail with every aspect of his action as Jianli magistrate, including dike works, arbitrating litigation, schools, attempting to control French and American missionaries, building grain reserves, baojia and militia, tax policies, and more. The manuscript note inserted in the copy at Beitu suggests that Luo’s account infuriated the governor, who ordered a new investigation to check on its veracity, and that the new investigation was favorable to Luo. The Veritable Records indicate that an edict of GX 25/6/6 admitted that, though “impetuous” and going against public opinion, Luo excelled in writing (性情浮躁，不洽輿情，惟文理尚優), and allowed him to apply for a position of educational official.