The Li and Qi theory, on which opinions were divided since mid-Ming in terms of the direction of Qi monism, tentatively settled when Tai Shin (Dai Zhen) preached that 'law' was a reason (reason resulting from division) appearing as a result of movement of 'Qi,' and defined it as 'a crease' which socially accommodates human desires formed by Qi.
このように明代中期以後、気一元論の方向性で諸説紛々たる様相を見せている理気論はその後、戴震が「理」を「気」が動いた結果として現れる条理（分理）とし、気によって形成された人間の欲望を社会的に調停する「すじめ」と定義するにいたって一応の決着を見ることになる。