Core Argument - The fundamental issue of the "Jingu" (ancient vs. modern texts) debate originates from the systematic contradictions within the classical studies framework established during the Han Dynasty, particularly the Western Han period, which only became apparent during the Qing Dynasty with the rise of textual criticism [1][6][10] Group 1: Historical Context - The contradictions in the classical studies framework were not fully exposed until the Qing Dynasty, when scholars began to delve into these issues, particularly through the work of Liao Ping, who was the first to systematically summarize these contradictions [1][6] - The classical texts, known as the Five Classics, were not fully compiled until the late Western Han period, relying heavily on oral transmission, which contributed to the authority and reliability of knowledge being determined by the length of the teacher-student relationship [6][8] Group 2: Key Figures and Theories - Liao Ping proposed a conspiracy theory suggesting that Wang Mang, during his usurpation of the Han throne, instructed Liu Xin to forge ancient texts, which he detailed in his book "Jingu Xue Kao" [1][2] - Kang Youwei expanded on Liao Ping's ideas without his consent, leading to the publication of "New Study of Forged Classics," which gained significant attention and contributed to a loss of trust in the Five Classics within the academic community [1][2] - Meng Wentong, a student of Liao Ping, introduced the "Cultural Three Systems Theory," positing that the contradictions stem from the differences among three major cultural groups in China: Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism [2][4] Group 3: Evolution of Academic Thought - The transition from reliance on oral tradition to a focus on textual evidence laid the groundwork for the emergence of textual criticism, which was initiated by figures like Liu Xin during the Han Dynasty [8][9] - Despite attempts at unification during the Eastern Han period, the deep-seated contradictions within classical studies remained unresolved, leading to a superficial appearance of unity [9] - The Qing scholars' focus on Han studies and textual criticism revealed the contradictions within the Five Classics more clearly, as they sought to return to the original meanings of Confucius and Mencius [10]