Wording should be refined and colorful whereas figurative meaning should be discreet and varied. Thus opined Liu Xie (465?-520? or 532?) of the Southern Dynasties, when he summarized the creative features of The Book of Songs in the chapter “Regarding Classics as Ultimate Sources” in The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons. It also represents the universal aesthetic feature of literary creation. Complex feelings and aspirations are difficult to express in a straightforward way, so a wider variety of wording and techniques of expression are needed. Some profound aspirations cannot be directly stated, and have to be expressed in a discreet way. Thus, literary works may embrace both beautiful and colorful wording, as well as surprising and ingenious techniques of expression. They may also contain a wealth of implicit messages.

The Book of Songs is to voice one’s feelings and aspirations. As with The Book of History, its wording needs to be interpreted. “Ballads from the States” and other types of verses in The Book of Songs use different means of expression such as narrative, analogy, and association; their wording is beautiful and colorful; and their figurative meanings are discreet and richly nuanced. When these verses are chanted, one can feel a gentle kindness implicit in them. Therefore, they best suit the expression of people’s inner feelings. (Liu Xie: The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons)