Yin Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Bow (gōng) Kangxi strokes: 12 Page 360, Entry 08 Ancient phonological records state: Tang rhymes denote pronunciation as bi (entering tone). Collected Rhymes, Rhymes of Collection, and Standard Rhymes also denote pronunciation as bi (entering tone). Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters states the original character was written as a combination of tongue and bow. This refers to the tongue being soft while the bow is rigid; by using softness to conform to rigidity, it signifies assisting and correcting. Rhymes of Collection states it refers to a tool used to assist in the correction of crossbows. Standard Rhymes states it is an apparatus for straightening crossbows. Furthermore, according to Er Ya: Explaining Ancient Words, it is defined as assisting. The commentary notes that this means to support or aid. Book of Documents (Shangshu): Clearly examine the five punishments to assist in the teachings of the five constant virtues. Also, Book of Documents (Shangshu): I dreamt that the Heavenly Emperor bestowed upon me a virtuous assisting minister. Discourses of the States (Guoyu): To detest assisting ministers and alienate those who rectify errors. The commentary notes that to assist and guide is called fu, while to correct faults is called bi. It also carries the meaning of going against or being perverse. Book of Han (Hanshu): When ruler and minister intentionally go against one another, this is called rebellion. The commentary notes that here, bi refers to mutual opposition, and rebellion refers to confusion. Furthermore, Er Ya: Explaining Ancient Words defines it as repeating or overlapping. The commentary notes that both bi (to assist) and fu have the meaning of making things overlap or strengthening them. Additionally, Yangzi: Regional Dialects defines it as high. It is also used as a loan character for the character meaning to brush away or oppose (fu). Mencius: If there are no ministers who hold fast to the laws and no virtuous scholars capable of assisting the ruler within the state. It may also be pronounced bei (as in prepared). Li Song: Records of Ambitions: Valiant and mighty warriors, and respectful and cautious assisting ministers. I am determined to annihilate the fleeing enemies and intercept those hideous clans. Collected Rhymes notes it is sometimes written as a variant form. Textual research: Book of Han (Hanshu): Law Treatise: Ruler and minister intentionally behave with perversity, this is called rebellion. Note that the citation is from the Five Elements Treatise, not the Law Treatise. It has been corrected to refer to the Five Elements Treatise accordingly.