How did Ouyang Xiu revive historical writing?
I revived historical writing through a conscious effort to reconnect with the core principles of empirical research and clear exposition. I meticulously scrutinized existing texts, comparing them against original documents and commentaries. My goal was to excise speculative passages and rhetorical flourishes that obscured the facts. By championing this method, I encouraged a new generation of scholars to prioritize accuracy and plain language, thereby elevating the standard of historical discourse and literary style.
Ask Ouyang Xiu the follow-up →