The regular scripts of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xizhi’s teacher, Mrs. Wei, all came from Zhong Yao. Since the Wei and Jin Dynasties, most calligraphers who are good at small regular scripts have learned from Zhong Yao. This is relatively clear.
Therefore, in terms of lower regular script, Zhong Yao and Wang Xizhi are the best choices for beginners. There is an old saying that goes, "If the book does not enter the Wei and Jin Dynasties, it must enter the wilderness." This is the experience summed up by the ancients for thousands of years.
Since Zhong Yao’s original regular script no longer exists, the Zhong Yao regular script we can see now is generally believed to be a copy by Wang Xizhi. Although there are some differences from Wang Xizhi's regular script works, Zhong Yao's regular script and official script have a more agricultural flavor. Therefore, you can choose to study Wang Xi or Zhong Yao.
The study of calligraphy in the Wei and Jin Dynasties established the style, aesthetic tendency and future direction of calligraphy. This is the result of the personal experience and practice of ancient calligraphers. Learning from the Wei and Jin Dynasties also directly created the pinnacle of calligraphy in the Tang Dynasty and the continuation of calligraphy in later generations.
Song Jiang Baishi's "Xu Shu Pu" says, "The high level of calligraphy in the Wei and Jin Dynasties is due to the true form and principle of each character, which is also the method of the masters of the Tang Dynasty." Therefore, here, the author recommends that early Scholars studied regular script, surpassed Tang regular script and studied Wei and Jin regular script. If you find it difficult to write in small regular script and still want to write in large script, then learning Zhiyong or Chu Suiliang's regular script is a better choice.
Of course, in the regular script system, there are also regular script inscriptions from the Southern and Northern Dynasties, which we are accustomed to calling Wei steles.
There are also many exquisite works in Wei Stele, and it is also a good choice to study.
Well, that’s all. I wish you all a happy study!