Who are the important Neo-Confucian scholars and how does their philosophy build on the writings of the original master?

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How Neo-Confucianism Builds on Confucianism
Neo-Confucianism is a term that is used to describe the revival and revitalization of the Confucian tradition back into the Chinese civilization. This process happened in the period between 979-1279 in the Sung Dynasty. The new movement was overthrowing the principles of Buddhism that had for long been used as a guiding principle in the society (University of Washington, 1). This is because they no longer sufficiently addressed the socioeconomic problems being experienced in the society during the period.
Four individuals can be credited for playing a key role in developing Neo-Confucianism. These are Chou Tun-I, Chang Tsai, Ch’eng Hao, and Ch’eng I. The cornerstone of metaphysics in Neo-Confucianism was created by Chou Tun-I and later elaborated some more by Chang Tsai who used Chou’s diagram in his book (Berthrong, 1). Later on, the Cheng brothers who were also the nephews of Chang Tsai and Chou Tun-I further developed the metaphysical system by the introduction of li (principle) which revolutionized neo-Confucianism in a critical way.
However, the contributions of the four main Neo-Confucianism scholars were integrated into systems that could support the learning of Neo-Confucianism by Wang Yang-ming and Chu Hsi. There are many differences and similarities between Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism. However, a close look at both systems shows that Neo-Confucianism builds on Confucianism.

One of the attributes that indicate this is like Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism also created a system of bureaucracy that educated and governed various aspects of societal behavior. Another attribute retained by Neo-Confucianism is that of maintaining the social hierarchy as part of the system. Both systems also followed the teachings of Confucius at their core. However, Neo-Confucianism also integrates some Daoist and Buddhist beliefs into its system. This integration is key since it gives Neo-Confucianism a metaphysical aspect that had previously lacked in Confucianism thus making it incomplete. Neo-Confucianism was also patriarchal and emphasized the need to follow traditions.
Works cited
Berthrong, J. Neo Confucian Philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Website, 2018. https://www.iep.utm.edu/neo-conf/
University of Washington. Neo-Confucianism. University of Washington, 2018 . https://faculty.washington.edu/mkalton/NeoConfucianism.htm