Seeking novelty without deviating from the proper way is a fundamental principle for writing and learning. In the Southern Dynasties, Liu Xie (465?-520? or 532?) affirmed the new writing styles initiated by Odes of Chu and expressed his admiration for its novel contents and new expressions, but he insisted that writings should be carefully considered based on and in reference to The Book of Songs. The concept of seeking novelty without deviating from the proper way emphasizes the need to stay true to universal laws, objective knowledge, broadly shared ideas, common emotions and good things in the world, and that all excellent experiences or good paradigms of literary creation should be preserved, so as to ensure that the development of thought and culture, the evolution of literature and art, and the writing of articles will not deviate from the proper way, and will continue to improve with the work of ancient sages and excellent classics as the foundation.

If you can write based on and in reference to The Book of Songs as if riding a chariot leaning on its front guardrail, and deploy the techniques of Odes of Chu as if you were controlling the reins while driving, seek novelty without deviating from the proper way, and employ lavish rhetoric without sacrificing substance, then you can give full play to your rhetoric and talent, and write wondrous articles without difficulty, even if you are not as wise as Sima Xiangru or as learned as Wang Bao. (Liu Xie: The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons)

Seasoned writers are able to hold on to conventions and follow the proper way, keeping a rein on the novelty in their texts; those who eagerly pursue novelty and cleverness will deviate from the proper way. If this tendency continues unchecked, then the institution of writing will be spoiled. (Liu Xie: The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons)