Why is Yan Zhenqing's Manuscript for Sacrificing a Nephew known as "the second running script in the world"?

"Sacrifice to My Nephew" was not originally written as a calligraphy work. The Draft for Sacrificing a Nephew was written by Yan Zhenqing in memory of his nephew Yan Jiming who died in the Anshi Rebellion. In the 14th year of Tang Tianbao (775), An Lushan rebelled, and Yan Zhenqing, the prefect of Pingyuan, contacted him from his brother Yan Gaoqing, the prefect of Changshan, to fight against the rebels. In the first month of the following year, the rebel Shi Siming captured Changshan, Yan Gaoqing and his youngest son were arrested and killed one after another, and Yanshi's family was killed more than 30 times. In the first year of Gan Yuan, Tang Suzong (AD 758), Yan Zhenqing ordered people to find Ji Ming's first bone and bring it back to Hebei. Yan Zhenqing was drunk, put the first bone on the case, and wrote this immortal eulogy with tears in his eyes. Because Yan Zhenqing's mood is extremely sad, it is difficult to calm down, there are many mistakes, and sometimes it will be smeared. His posture is beautiful and natural.

In the history of China's calligraphy, only this painting is the most vigorous and harmonious. The so-called "dry autumn wind, wet spring breeze" is also the only work that can be used. In Yuan Dynasty, Xian Yushu called it the second running script in the world. "The best running script in the world" has been occupied by Wang Xizhi's Preface to Lanting, so it should be ranked second. In fact, the manuscript of offering sacrifices to nephews is the best running script in the world. "Sacrificing a Nephew" is a model of natural beauty, which can't be done and is straightforward. Although Preface to Lanting Collection is also very beautiful, it is more artificial than natural beauty.

Ji Ming's Draft for Sacrificing a Nephew (also known as the Draft for Sacrificing a Nephew) was written by Yan Zhenqing, one of the three most famous calligraphy posts in China's calligraphy history and known as the "second running script in the world" (the other two are Wang Xizhi's Preface to Lanting Collection and Su Shishu's Cold Food Post). It is now in the National Palace Museum in Taipei.