As the Zhong jian lu《中鑒錄》is probably no longer in existence, by referring to related historical materials this article attempts to develop details of the work, such as the date of compilation, structure, and basic content in addition to the compiler and his intentions. This study reveals that the work's author was Wang Ji (王畿, also known as Wang Longxi 王龍溪), who acted as one of the most important advocates of Confucian social teachings in the late Ming. Although Wang Ji regarded social teachings as his main concern and achievement, he did not relinquish his efforts to indoctrinate the emperor with Confucian teachings. His hope to obtain the emperor's support in making the Confucian way prevail 得君行道 was common to many other Confucian scholars who also devoted themselves to social teachings in the late Ming. Some revered scholars, such as Qian Mu 錢穆 and Yu Yingshih 余英時, pointed out that the basic focus of Confucianism during the late Ming strayed from getting the support of the emperor to transforming social customs and traditions 移風易俗, which is an accurate and profound observation. Evidently the goal to make the Confucian way prevail could have been attained by more than one particular means. In other words, one did not have to choose between obtaining the support of the emperor and transforming the customs and traditions of the masses in order to attain this goal. Therefore, the Zhong jian lu not only lets us fully comprehend the thought and practices of Wang Ji but also urges us to seek further insights and a more balanced consideration of the relationship between these two practices.