Xu Collection, Middle Volume, Radical: Mound (fù)
The character 陛 (bì)
Kangxi Stroke Count: 15
Page: Page 1351, Entry 10
Pronounced bì (falling tone) in Tang Yun, and bù (falling tone) in Jiyun and Yunhui.
Shuowen: A raised step.
Yupian: The steps of the Son of Heaven.
Zhan Guo Ce: Qin Wuyang held the map case and advanced step by step to the steps.
Former Han Dynasty, Dongfang Shuo Biography: At this time, Shuo was at the steps with halberds at the palace entrance.
Also, Wang Mang Biography: Red doors welcomed the steps.
Note: Meng Kang says: "Nà" means "to bring in." It refers to carving out the base of the palace terrace to form steps, so they are not exposed. Gu師 says: The honored one does not wish to ascend the steps openly, so it is brought into the eaves.
Also, the Son of Heaven is referred to as "Bixia" (Your Majesty).
Shiji, Annals of Qin Shi Huang: Now the realm, relying on Your Majesty's divine spirit, is unified and all are made into commanderies and counties.
Cai Yong, Du Du: The Son of Heaven must have close attendants, holding weapons and standing beside the steps, to guard against unforeseen events. When ministers speak with the Son of Heaven, they dare not point and accuse, so they call to those at the steps and inform them, thereby conveying the meaning of respect.
Jiyun: Sometimes written as .
Pianhai: Also written as .
Also, Han Yu, Cao Chengwang Ci: The king also has sons, residing in the king's place. Looking back from the old days, step by step, they truly took and truly resembled. Carve poems on them, to show no end.
Note: Bìbì, meaning many levels. Another interpretation is that the king's descendants are increasingly prosperous, like ascending stairs to enter the hall.
Also, Zhengyun: Pí yì cut, pronounced bì (entering tone). The meaning is the same.
Haipian: Also written as .
According to the rhyming dictionaries, the character 陛 is always pronounced with a falling tone. Only Zhengyun has both falling and entering tones. The latter is preserved here. Zhengzitong considers the entering tone as the correct pronunciation, which is incorrect.
