The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, Vols. 1-3

Upon examination, the version passed down by Bao Huan is truly excellent, and nothing more could be requested. Since the time when my Imperial Grandfather referring to the Kangxi Emperor promoted the subject, mathematical calculation has been considered fully perfected. This book appears today, perhaps demonstrating that texts have their times of visibility and obscurity, a phenomenon that occurs for reasons unknown. The Nine Chapters originated from the Zhouguan Rites of Zhou, and the Six Arts were taught at Zhusi the site of Confucius's school. Although I have not personally studied the subject, it is certainly something a scholar should endeavor to learn. I have appended a poem and inscription as follows:

Arithmetic has long existed, though not my area of study. It is difficult to force knowledge where one does not understand. The grand collection was compiled and brought together by my Imperial Grandfather. My Imperial Grandfather expounded on mathematical calculation; the "Shuli Jingyun" (Essential Principles of Mathematics) and "Yixiang Kaocheng" (Compendium of Observational Instruments and Calculations) books are sufficient to serve as the standard for mathematics for ten thousand generations. I am ashamed to discuss the Six Arts.