You Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Bitter (xīn) Kangxi Strokes: 21 Page 1252, Entry 02 Same as the character bian. According to Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to judge. According to Extensive Dictionary of Sounds and Rhymes (Guangyun), it means to distinguish. Book of Changes (Yijing), Treading Hexagram: The superior person uses this to distinguish between the upper and lower, and to set the will of the people. Also, to examine carefully. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Offices of Heaven: When the king establishes a state, he determines the regions and sets the positions. Also, clearly understood. Book of Changes (Yijing), Possession in Great Measure Hexagram: To understand clearly and brilliantly. Also, according to Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), eloquent speech. Book of Rites (Liji), Royal Regulations: Words that are false yet eloquent. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Xun Qing: The methods of Zou Yan are circuitous, vast, and grandiloquently eloquent. Also, to argue or debate. Book of Rites (Liji), Meaning of the Village Drinking Ceremony: If one is neither arrogant nor contentious, one stays far from fighting and arguing. Also, according to Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), to govern. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Announcement on Wine: Do not mismanage your duties. Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), First Year of Duke Zhao: Who among the leaders of the alliance can govern this? Commentary: Bian means to govern. Also, subtle argumentation, meaning to admonish indirectly. Book of Rites (Liji), Conduct of the Scholars: Their mistakes may be addressed through subtle argumentation, but should not be pointed out to their face. Also, interchangeable with bian (all-encompassing). Book of Rites (Liji), Record of Music: Those who govern comprehensively possess complete rituals. Commentary: Bian means all-encompassing. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Annals of the Five Emperors: Comprehensive among the various spirits. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Canon of Shun: Written as bian (all-encompassing). Also, interchangeable with ping (level/equal). Compendium of Characters (Zihui Bu): To equalize. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Annals of the Five Emperors: Equally regulate the eastern work, equally regulate the western harvest. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Canon of Yao: Written as ping. Also, according to Five Sounds Collection of Rhymes (Wuyin Jiyun), Xiabian is a place name, located in Wuxiang. Also, according to Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun) and Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui), pronounced bie. Interchangeable with bian (to demote/reduce). Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Autumn Offices, Chief of Officers: In times of state famine, apply the laws of adjustment to govern. Commentary: Bian should be written as bian (to demote). In times of famine, it refers to the reduction of state affairs.