Yin Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Roof (bù)
Entry: You
Kangxi stroke count: 9
Page 285, Entry 03
Pronounced you.
According to the Shuowen Jiezi (Shuowen), it means to be lenient. Xu Xuan says: It means merely to be lenient, but not yet to fully release.
Book of Changes (Yijing), Hexagram of Deliverance (Jie): The noble man uses this to pardon errors and forgive crimes.
Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Office of Autumn: The Minister of Justice oversees the three punishments and the three methods of leniency. The first leniency is for unintentional acts, the second for errors of oversight, and the third for forgetfulness.
Book of Documents (Shangshu), Counsels of the Great Yu (Dayu Mo): Forgive errors, regardless of their magnitude. Annotation: This refers to unintentional mistakes; even if the error is great, it must be pardoned. The Sovereign: Those who cling to treachery, ruin norms, and disturb customs, these three minor offenses shall not be pardoned. Annotation: For committing these three types of offenses, even if the crime is minor, one cannot be pardoned.
It also means vast and deep. Book of Odes (Shijing), Odes of Zhou (Zhousong): From dawn to dusk, establish the mandate with leniency and seclusion. Annotation: This refers to those who accumulate virtue from morning until night to uphold the mandate of heaven, remaining vast, deep, and tranquil.
It also means to assist. Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), 25th Year of Duke Xi: The Marquis of Jin attended court before the King. The King held a feast with sweet wine and commanded that he be assisted. Annotation: He was additionally presented with silk and currency to assist and encourage him.
It also means to use music to encourage eating, similar to the character you. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Office of Spring, Grand Director of Music: When the King eats, he employs three musical accompaniments, all of which require the performance of bells and drums.
It is also a surname.
It is also used interchangeably with the character you. Book of Rites (Liji), Royal Regulations (Wangzhi): The King employs three assistances, and only then does he make a decision.
