The main reason why Tang Taizong belittled Wang Xianzhi and still liked Wang Xizhi was because Tang Taizong's calligraphy was inseparable from Wang Xizhi. Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy is also closely related to Wang Xizhi's calligraphy. However, Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy personally feels charming, but it lacks the powerful feeling of Wang Xizhi. Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy gives people the impression of being weak and boneless. Many people in later generations like to learn Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy, and then the calligraphy becomes less powerful.
Although later generations who studied Wang Xianzhi’s calligraphy gradually turned out to be weak and spineless, it is no wonder that Wang Xianzhi did. However, if Li Shimin wanted to intercept this unhealthy trend in calligraphy from the source, he must criticize it from the source. of. That's why Li Shimin praised Wang Xizhi and belittled Wang Xianzhi. Moreover, in ancient times, many literati discussed Wang Xianzhi and Wang Xizhi, the father and son, and said that Wang Xizhi's calligraphy had reached the height of "ancient and modern times". Although Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy was very good, it was not as good as that of his father Wang Xizhi's calligraphy. Kind of backbone.
Li Shimin's love for Wang Xianzhi has been integrated into his bones. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty would spend a lot of money to collect various works of Wang Xizhi and sometimes allowed his subordinates to use despicable means. This also shows Tang Taizong's love for Wang Xizhi's calligraphy. Even when Tang Taizong was about to die, he said that Wang Xizhi's various calligraphy works would be buried with him. This shows Wang Xizhi's influence on Tang Taizong.
Although Tang Taizong liked Wang Xizhi very much, he didn't hate Wang Xianzhi that much. The most important thing is the political aspect. Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy was studied by many people, but Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy did not conform to the literary and artistic trend at that time. That's why Tang Taizong belittled Wang Xianzhi like that. The calligraphy of the two has its own characteristics, so modern people can choose whichever they like. Maybe Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty liked Wang Xizhi more personally!