Zuo Dongling pointed out in Literature and Art Studies (No. 8, 2021)that "primary problems" refer to a variety of congenital deficiencies in the initial stage of academic research that can affect subsequent research, usually arising in the academic transition under the background of historical turning point.Subsequently, what were once "problems" were gradually mistaken for well-established "knowledge".To achieve a fundamental breakthrough in academic research, it is necessary to reflect upon primary problems.There are three major problems in the study of ancient Chinese literature: first, the conflict between modern pure literature concept and traditional essay studies concept;second, the mismatch between the linear historical view of literature development, according to which each dynasty has its representative forms of literature, and the snowballing process of ancient Chinese literary styles; third, the simple and rigid division into sensibility and rationality constructed in modern sciences.It is thereby concluded that the connotation and procedure of researching primary problems shall create a breeding ground for new academic concepts and research paradigms.