Wu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Field (tián) Yu Kangxi strokes: 12 Page 763, Entry 12 Ancient literature records: Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) indicates the pronunciation is yu (level tone). Explaining Characters and Writing (Shuowen Jiezi) defines it as land that has been cultivated for three years. Book of Changes (Yijing), Hexagram Wuwang states: To expect a harvest without tilling, to expect results without breaking new soil. Book of Odes (Shijing), Odes of Zhou (Zhousong) writes: How to manage new fields and cultivated fields. Mao Commentary (Maozhuan) notes: Land cultivated for the first year is called zi (newly broken wasteland), the second year is called new field, and the third year is called yu. Book of Rites (Liji), Record of Limits (Fangji) cites the Book of Changes regarding the term not tilling or cultivating (zi yu), to which Zheng Xuan comments: Land in the first year of cultivation is zi, the second year is yu, and the third year is new. Exegesis of the Odes (Shigu) explains: The first year is zi, the beginning of weeding and turning the soil. The second year is yu, when the soil gradually becomes soft. The third year is new field, referring to land that has become good but is still relatively fresh. The fourth year is simply called field. If the second year were a new field and the third year were just a field, what would the name yu refer to? Correct Meaning of Characters (Zhengzitong) states that based on this, the commentaries on the Book of Odes, the Er Ya, and Explaining Characters and Writing claiming three years is yu cannot be fully trusted. One should adhere to the commentary of Zheng Xuan. Also, Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun) indicates the pronunciation is yu (falling-rising tone). It means to manage land. Sometimes also written in a variant form (yú). Also pronounced she (level tone). It means slash-and-burn agriculture.