This paper argues that from its very beginnings Tang prose had developed along two different traditions-the lyrical (shuqing) and the discursive (yilun), and that the two traditions were evident across different genres. To pursue this argument, I conduct a thorough textual analysis of Tang prose based on a theory I propose in previous study, namely, that Han Yu's (766-824) prose is characterized by three essential components: dialogue construction (she duihua), discursive reasoning (fa yilun), and expression of feelings and reflections (ji gankai). I demonstrate that other than tracing back to the works of prose writers who emerged after the An Shi Rebellion (756-763), the shaping forces behind the characteristics of Han Yu's prose is best understood in terms of the two grand traditions noted above. In doing so, I also make efforts to identify issues that deserve further scholarly attentions, such as the features of Du Fu's (712-770) prose and the eminent style of ”yishi weiwen” (emulating poetry in prose writing) found among Tang writers.