Chou Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Earth (tǔ) Entry: Lu Kangxi strokes: 19 Page 241, Entry 29 Pronounced lu. In the Explication of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is described as black, hard soil. In the Book of Documents (Shujing), specifically the Tribute of Yu (Yugong) chapter, it is written: In Yu Province, the lower soil is dark and loamy. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), specifically the chapter on Earth Officials and the Grassman, it states: For sticky soil and loamy soil, use swine. The commentary notes: Sticky soil is used for its adhesiveness, and loamy soil is used for its porosity. In the Master Lu’s Spring and Autumn Annals (Lüshi Chunqiu), it says: The way of all plowing must begin with breaking the loamy soil; one must make the soil less moist before it dries. Also refers to Yellow Loam, meaning the Yellow Springs (the underworld). In the Huainanzi, specifically the chapter on Military Strategy, it says: Coiled beneath the Yellow Loam. Cao Zhi in his Poem on Self-Reproach (Zégōng Shī) writes: Carrying my sins beneath the Yellow Loam. Also refers to a wine counter. In the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), specifically the Biography of Sima Xiangru, it says: Ordered Wenjun to tend the wine counter. In the New Account of Tales of the World (Shishuo Xinyu), it is recorded: Wang Rong passed by the wine counter of Yellow Gong and said to his guests: I used to drink heartily at this counter with Uncle Ye and Sicong; since the passing of Ji and Ruan, although this place is nearby, it seems as distant as mountains and rivers. Also pronounced lü. Same meaning.