Reform-minded scholars seek to repair and renew the empire that suffered multiple crisis including a weak central government plagued by regional warlords, corrupted bureaucrats, poverty of the commoners, and prevalent practice of Buddhism and Taoism which weakened the economy.
By the late Tang dynasty, the reformist spirit had diminished among scholars, and pianwen (parallel prose) regained prominence as the predominant literary style.
[citation needed] The theme was revisited by Song dynasty scholar official Fan Zhongyan, as part of the political and social reform initiatives he advocated for.
Fan's promotion of the "ancient style" served both political and ethical grounds, as he believed scholar officials with moral cultivation and administrative skills will improve government efficiency and commoner's lives.
[7] Ouyang Xiu, a younger associate and avid follower of Fan Zhongyan,[8] developed into a literary giant and leader in reviving the ancient style.
[11] In his own unofficial writing practice of letters, prefaces, accounts, and grave inscriptions, Ouyang "cultivated a highly personal tone" and incorporated an extensive range of "subjects, moods, and themes".