Chen Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Steam (qì) Kangxi stroke count: 8 Page 599, Entry 05 Pronounced fen. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it means steam or vapor. In the Chronicle of Zuo (Zuo Zhuan), Year 27 of Duke Xiang, it is stated that the atmosphere of the State of Chu was very poor. In Year 20 of Duke Zhao, Zi Shen observed the clouds and vapors. In the Discourses of the States (Guoyu), Chu section, it states that the former lord King Zhuang built the Paoju Terrace, the height of which did not exceed the range from which one could observe the meteorological phenomena of the state. The commentary explains these instances as referring to steam or vapor. Also, fenyun refers to an auspicious aura or vapor. In the Rhapsody on Snow (Xue Fu) by Xie Huilian, it describes how snowflakes scatter and intertwine, with a dense and desolate atmosphere. The commentary explains that fenyun refers to a lush or flourishing appearance. Also, fenjin refers to an ominous or ghostly vapor. In the Discourses of the States (Guoyu), Jin section, it is stated that when Duke Xian was hunting, he saw an ominous vapor in the lands of Zhizha. The commentary notes that fenjin refers to celestial and meteorological phenomena. Ominous ones are called fen, while auspicious ones are called xiang. In the Chronicle of Zuo (Zuo Zhuan), Year 15 of Duke Zhao, it states that I saw a red and black ghostly vapor; this is not an auspicious sign from a sacrifice, but the ominous vapor of a funeral. The commentary notes that fen means evil vapor. In the Former Han (Qianhan), Imperial Edict of Emperor Yuan, it states that evil and heterodox vapors have increased year by year. In the poetry of Du Fu, it mentions that the dark and ghostly vapor has not yet fully dissipated. Also, Lingfen refers to an expert diviner of ancient times. In the Lament (Lisao) by Qu Yuan, it states that I asked Lingfen to divine for me. It continues, Lingfen told me the auspicious result of the divination. Pronounced fen. The meaning is the same. According to the Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), some versions write this with the rain radical as the component fen. The Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) also records it written in that form.