Sancai Tuhui (Vol. 24)

Houji the Lord of Millet was named Qi. He was skilled in observing the suitability of the soil and taught the people how to plow and sow, planting the hundred grains a general term for all staple crops. The Emperor commanded him, saying: "The common people are suffering from famine. You, Houji, must plant the various grains at the appropriate times." Yu said: "Together with Ji, we have planted and provided for the many who were in need of food. We encouraged the exchange of what was available for what was lacking and regulated the distribution of goods. The common people were then able to feed themselves, and the ten thousand states were brought into order."