The name of the author appears only in Hu Xiyan’s pref., which says that the work was composed by Xu for his students when he was instructor (學正) in Qianzhou 乾州 (Shaanxi), and emphasizes its usefulness for acting officials as well. The surname Xu also appears in a sample pronouncement in the text. After having mentioned three handbooks widely used by newly appointed magistrates, viz. Mumin beiyong, Weizheng zhunze (qq.v.), and Guanzhen bichou 官箴筆疇 (probably for Bichou, q.v.), Hu adds that Juguan geyan has now become an indispensable addition for the standards of conduct it sets as well as the detailed indications on everyday administration that can be found in the much longer appendix, entitled “Conditions for implementation” (施行條件). The short two parts (上下篇) of the main text are composed of rather terse aphorisms concerning the personal conduct and competence requirements of the magistrate (such as full knowledge of the law and regulations currently enforced). Comparison with other texts reveals that almost every entry is drawn from the writings of Xue Xuan (see under Xue Wenqing gong congzheng lu). According to Takigawa (see below), it borrows many materials from Sanshi zhonggao (q.v.), but on examination only one entry can be traced to that work. The appendix appears to be mostly Xu’s own work and parts of it were adopted into Guanzhen jiyao, Chushi lu, and Juguan biyao weizheng bianlan (qq.v.); it includes a set of six models of proclamations that is dated 1519.