"Guwen xiyi" was compiled and edited by Lin Yunming (林雲銘, 1628–97, Fujian). Lin Yunming was a mid-ranking official who had passed the metropolitan examination ("jinshi") in 1658. An earlier version of Lin's manuscript "is said to have been lost in the course of the 'Fujian troubles' ...", referring to the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. In 1674, Lin was imprisoned by the pro-Ming rebels, who in turn were defeated by the troops under the command of Wu Xingzuo and others in 1675. "Guwen xiyi" was published in 1682.