The earliest known examples of regular script are several memorials by Zhong You, the Grand Censor of Wei. When 750,000 bold warriors of Shu invaded in 221, Wu submitted itself to Wei as an expedient for its rescue. Weighing the situation on his mind, Zhong wrote this memorial to the throne:

I read the credentials of Sun Quan (the King of Wu) in the recently bulletin. I know my superficial remarks suit to petty things, yet with the great favor of the late emperor who took me, a humble man, as his blood brother, and your great trust, it is my unshirkable duty to share your cares and burdens. Last night I remained awake till dawn, turning the matter over and over in my mind. A situation of tripartite confrontation has been the fact. Sun, who was even a match to late emperor, lowers his colors because he has no alternatives. His credentials seem sincere, but he is not. However, we can assume his word as true and accept his surrender. If he breaks his promise, it proves that he is unassociable; if we turn him down, he will certainly make reckless moves. Besides, it is subject to us that whether send troops or not. “To punish is to vie with, and to irritate is to give illusion,” as an old saying goes. The late emperor came up against the similar matter before, and his decision may be referable. Afraid of your rejection, I write my opinion instead.

Zhong perfected regular script with master brushmanship. His strokes are easy and steady, and those at the lower part of a character are markedly contracted, giving his handwriting a heavy expression. “His great ingenuity appears in an naive hand, which no later generation could stand comparison with,” said Liu Xizai of Qing dynasty.