A Study on How to Explain '乐' Pronounce as 'Yuè' in '成乐物生' from the Guo Yu - Zheng Yu (《国语·郑语》)
Abstract
This study aims to reassess the meaning of the phrase by clarifying whether 乐 should instead be read as yuè (“music”), and by restoring coherence between the text, musical terminology, and the historical role of Yu Mu. The analysis employs textual comparison across versions of Guo Yu, examines the musical usage of 成 in Pre-Qin literature, and draws from genealogical accounts, ritual-music passages, and related references in The Analects, Mencius, Xunzi, and Zuo Zhuan. Evidence indicates that 成 functioned as a technical musical term referring to the completion of musical sequences, and that Yu Mu belonged to a hereditary lineage of Music Officers capable of discerning 协风 (harmonious winds). The close conceptual link between music and wind in early China supports interpreting 乐 as yuè rather than lè. Earlier misreadings stem from hermeneutic reinterpretations rather than the original text. The phrase should be understood as describing Yu Mu’s role in completing musical patterns that harmonize with natural winds. Further research should ground interpretation in Pre-Qin musical concepts and the Yu clan’s ritual-musical heritage.
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