This book, a collection of commentaries made by renowned scholars including Zhu Xi, was compiled in accordance with an imperial decree of the Yongle Emperor (1360-1424) of the Ming Dynasty. In the book, the main text of Mencius is printed in large type, while Zhu Xi's notes are in small type. The commentaries by other Confucian scholars including Hu Guang are printed in even smaller types arranged in two lines. Experts believe that this particular edition was published in 1820 by the Gyujanggak, the royal library of the Joseon Dynasty.