You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Speech (yán) Page 1168, Entry 01 Pronounced zu (level tone) According to the Explanation of Characters and Phrases (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to gather and consult. According to the Progressive Explanation of Glosses (Erya Shiguh), it means to consult. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it means to inquire about government affairs. As stated in the Book of Odes (Shijing), Xiao Ya section, seeking advice and consulting everywhere. As stated in the Zuo Commentary (Zuozhuan), during the fourth year of Duke Xiang, to consult on matters is called zu. As stated in the Ceremonial Rites (Yili), in the rituals for individual food offerings, the day is not predetermined by consultation. It is also the name of a star. According to the Zheng commentary on the Monthly Ordinances (Yueling) in the Book of Rites (Liji), the first month of spring is when the sun and moon meet at the asterism Zouzi, which corresponds to the time when the handle of the Dipper points to the Yin branch. The character zu was originally also written as a variant form (ju). Pronounced zou (level tone). Pronounced fu (level tone). The meaning remains the same. According to the Classified Chapters (Leipian), it is sometimes written in a variant form. According to the Long Annotations to the Explanation of Characters (Shuowen Changjian), it is also written in a variant form.