On the Status and Function of OUYANG Xiu in the Interaction Between Academics and Prose

The period before and after Emperor Renzong of North song Dynasty was an important transitional period in Chinese academic history. During this period, the interaction between academics and prose was quite striking. OUYANG Xiu was in the center of such interaction. His unique academic conceptions had exerted influence on his systematic and profound theory of prose creation, which served as guidance to the prose composition of his time. He stuck to the subject-chosen standard which stressed both academics and literature, which is rather important to the co-development of both academics and prose. In addition, he chose SU Shi as his successor, which laid a foundation for the sustainable development of Chinese prose.