"The Theory of Zhuangzi Honoring Confucius" and "The Theory of Unity Between Zhuangzi and Chan Buddhism" have been two major currents in the history of Zhuangzi studies since the Song Dynasty. However, very few scholars within these trends have managed to construct comprehensive theoretical frameworks and develop original perspectives. The late Ming Caodong School master Xuelang Daosheng and his disciple Fang Yizhi made remarkable breakthroughs and contributions precisely in these two areas.

Xuelang Daosheng first proposed works such as "The Convergence of the Three Masters," which "positioned Zhuangzi as the true intellectual heir of Yao and Confucius," formally incorporating Zhuangzi into the Confucian tradition and preliminarily establishing the theoretical foundation for his "return to Confucianism." His disciple Fang Yizhi (also known as Wuke Hongzhi) not only regarded Zhuangzi as an orthodox successor of Confucianism but also facilitated the convergence of Zhuangzi's philosophy with the Study of Changes and Chan Buddhism.

What distinguishes his integration with Chan Buddhism is the absence of forced interpretations or simplistic analogies. Instead, he introduced concise yet profound innovations: expressions such as "the farmer tills the land, the scholar studies," and "a harmonious household where the master naturally guides the servants" demonstrate strikingly vivid imagery and richly layered meanings.

Hsu Sheng-hsin, with ancestral roots in Jiaoling, Guangdong, serves as a Professor in the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University. He has held prestigious appointments including Visiting Professor at the University of Tokyo, Director of the Center for Buddhist Studies at NTU, and Editor-in-Chief of the NTU Journal of Buddhist Studies. His scholarly expertise spans pre-Qin Confucianism, Zhuangzi and the history of Zhuangzi studies, the interplay among the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism) during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the history of Chinese aesthetics, and Chinese dream culture.