Background
Zhongyuan Yinyun continued the tradition of Qieyun and other rime books. However, due to the phonological changes took place from the Sui Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty, the information needed to be updated in accordance with the then phonological system.
From the middle of the 13th Century to the end of the 14th Century, Beiqu (北曲, Northern Verse) underwent quick development. The author of Sanqu (散曲), Zhou Deqing, delved into the research on Beiqu, discovering that it created many problems by not adhering to the rules of classical poetic composition. He thought that in order to better develop Beiqu, one would need to make a definite standard, especially in respect to language. According to his own experience, he was able to propose a set of rules for composing and reciting Běiqǔ, which came to be known as Zhongyuan Yinyun.
Read more about this topic: Zhongyuan Yinyun
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