Xu Hao shared the same fleshy characters with Yan Zhenqing. The difference between these two master calligraphers was that when Yan Zhenqing went further into a heroic style, Xu Hao elaborated a mild, affable and dignified script. 'Xu Hao is matchless in modern days," praised Li Yong, a noted calligrapher then. 'His calligraphy is as high as spring cloud - no ladder to reach, as deep as gorge - no path to find.'

Few of his script survived. This stele, the epitaph of then Minister of the Ministry of War, evoked quite repercussions in Chinese calligraphy circles when it was unearthed recnetly in 2000. The inscription was written in his mature regular script - leisurely posed and self-disciplined.