Hai Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Black (hēi) Kangxi Strokes: 17 Page 1519, Entry 21 Pronounced chu (falling tone) According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to demote or move downward. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it means to retreat, to demote, to lower, to remove, to banish, or to reduce. According to the Six Books Explained (Liushu Gu), it means to rebuke and cast aside those who are corrupt or dim-witted. In the Classic of History (Shujing), under the Canon of Shun (Shundian), it is written: After three years of periodic assessment of administrative performance, those officials who were dim-witted and incompetent were dismissed, and those who were virtuous and wise were promoted. It is also used interchangeably with the character pronounced chu (falling tone). In the Book of Rites (Liji), under the Royal Regulations (Wangzhi), it states that for those who are unfilial, the ruler shall demote them by reducing their noble rank. It is sometimes also written in variant forms (qu) and (chu).