The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, Vols. 1-3

This accumulation is the area mi power/area/square of the field. Whenever width and length are multiplied, it is called mi.

Li Chunfeng and the others note: The classic text states that multiplying width and length gives the accumulated paces. The commentary states that multiplying width and length is called mi. Observing this commentary, the meaning of accumulation and mi is identical. Evaluating this through logic, this is certainly not appropriate. Why? Mi is the name for a single spread of a square. Accumulation is the term for the gathering of multiple numbers. By following the names to investigate the reality, the two are entirely different. Even if one wishes to equate them, I fear it is not possible. Now, according to the text, the one who says mi is referring to one square of width and length. The one who says accumulation is referring to the total number of all the paces. The classic states that multiplying gives the accumulated paces, which is a clear statement of the total number. The commentary states that this is called mi, which ignores the original intent of accumulated paces. This commentary earlier stated that accumulation is the field mi, which is logical. To repeat that it is called mi is redundant and inappropriate. Now, the commentary is explained here to preserve what is good and remove what is wrong, briefly simplifying it for the sake of future scholars.