The Wei and Jin Dynasties hold a special place in Chinese cultural history. Spanning more than two centuries, the epoch was marked by war and famine, intrigue and brutality, nobility and betrayals, indulgence in pleasure and unrestrained elegance. At the same time, it was one of the most intellectually dynamic and emotionally expressive periods in Chinese history. Against this backdrop, metaphysics (xuanxue) emerged, literature evolved into an independent discipline, and calligraphy and painting flourished brilliantly. During this time, Chinese scholars underwent a profound spiritual journey. By collecting and analyzing extensive historical sources, the author carefully traces key events along with their causes, consequences, and development over time. The book portrays the evolution of metaphysics during the Wei and Jin Dynasties and the shifts in the mentality of scholars during this period. With keen insight, the author captures scholars’ prevailing attitudes toward life, moral values, aesthetic tastes, and the expression or suppression of human nature during a time of political upheaval and shifting intellectual trends. From changes in their inner world, the author delicately identifies their aesthetic values and significance reflected in the evolving artistic sentiments.