Shen, with regard to the Lý Dynasty…

Shen, with regard to the Lý Dynasty of Dại Viet (in modern northern Vietnam), demonstrates in his Dream Pool Essays that he is familiar with the key players (on the Vietnamese side) in the prelude to the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1075–1077.

With his reputable achievements, Shen becomes a trusted member of Wang Anshi's elite circle of eighteen unofficial core political loyalists to the New Policies Group.