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(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Mingyi Bielu*)
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily tonifies the middle jiao (middle energizer) and supplements qi.
[Analysis] Says: It grows in Jingzhou, Yingzhou, and between Bianzhou, Luoyang, the Yellow River, and Shanzhou. It is planted during the hot weather, at the same time as planting millet (Setaria italica). Covering with soil and weeding are done according to the methods for rice, differing only in that it matures earlier. The *Monthly Ordinances* state that in the second month of summer, farmers have already harvested shu (broomcorn millet). The Son of Heaven offers dishes made from young chickens and shu, along with cherries, first presenting them to the ancestral temples.
Its seedlings generally resemble those of ji (foxtail millet), hence the *Book of Songs* says: "There stands the broomcorn millet, lush and green; there are the seedlings of foxtail millet." Its panicles grow into branches and spread out; each husk contains two grains, which are equal in size. Regardless of whether the land is fertile or barren, or whether the year is poor or abundant, there is little difference in the size and weight of the grains. Some are black, some are yellow. Therefore, in establishing musical standards, they were compressed to form tubes (pitch pipes); this is a fine grain.
[Elucidation] Says: Shu is the essence among the hundred grains, born from the harmonious qi of heaven and earth. Thus, one husk contains two grains, uniform without disparity. It symbolizes the Two Modes (Liangyi) of the Supreme Ultimate. Hence, it is used to establish pitch standards, serving as the beginning of measuring yin and yang, surpassing other grains. Its main function of tonifying the middle and supplementing qi is perhaps because sound begins with the Gong tone. Gong is the tone of Earth. Its number is 81, its sound is the largest and central, originating from the Spleen. When the mouth is closed and the sound resonates, the movements of the four limbs and all bones and joints will be in harmony with rhythm.

(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Mingyi Bielu*)
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily supplements qi and tonifies deficiencies.
[Analysis] Says: Ji (foxtail millet) and shu (broomcorn millet) are of the same category but different species. Thus, their seedlings both resemble those of common millet (Panicum miliaceum), but are lower and smaller with hairs. Their panicles are particularly spreading, and the grains are lustrous. One husk containing one grain, where the grain is slightly plumper, is ji; one husk containing two grains, where the grain is slightly finer, is shu. However, ji should be harvested early, while shu should be planted late. Therefore, in ancient times, ji was called the "first-seeded" crop, maturing early as well. When made into porridge, it is light and fragrant. It is highly valued as the head of the five grains and honored to be paired with the deity of the Great Altar of Soil. During the era of Emperor Tang (Yao), the agricultural official was named Houji (Lord of Millet) for this reason. The *Lüshi Chunqiu* states: "Among delicious foods, there is the ji of Yang Mountain." Gao You's commentary notes: "In Guanzhong, it is called KT (pronounced mi), in Jizhou it is called [character missing/obscure] (pronounced qian). The *Guangya* states: [character], is ji. The *Book of Rites* says: Ji is called Mingzi. The *Erya* says: Zi is ji. Therefore, the Materia Medica..."
[Elucidation] Says: Ji is the grain corresponding to the Spleen and is the leader of the five grains. In the Five Elements, Earth is honored; thus, among the five grains, Ji is the leader. It traverses the four seasons, and Earth prospers in the last month of each season, hence this status. Therefore, it can benefit the Spleen, facilitate the Stomach, calm the middle jiao, supplement qi, and tonify various deficiencies. Regarding its ability to resolve summerheat, it follows the principle that "what is coming forward advances, what has succeeded retreats," thereby cooling the blood, making it suitable for this purpose.