In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, Zhao Mengfu's style sustained its influence. The royal house preferred to choose and elevate officials according to their calligraphic works partially, which resulted in the overwhelming popularity of Tai Ge Ti (a kind of official standardized style, characterized by its neatness and strictness). In the mid-Ming Dynasty, the Wu School led by Zhu Yunming, Wen Zhengming and Wang Chong was once predominant, focusing on the composition of the characters. Dong Qichang, greatly indebted to the ancient masterpieces, created his own simple and elegant style in the late Ming Dynasty.