Yin Collection, Upper Volume. Radical: Roof (bù). Character: Huan. Kangxi strokes: 9. Page 285, Entry 04. Pronounced huan (falling tone). According to the Explaining and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to serve as an official. In the Book of Rites (Liji), within the section on Music Rites (Qu Li), it states: If one serving as an official or studying does not respect their teacher, it is not in accordance with ritual. The commentary states: Both official service and study require a teacher to illuminate the path. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), second year of Duke Xuan, it states: When Duke Cheng of Jin ascended the throne, he appointed the legitimate sons of his ministers to official posts, granted them land, and made them members of the ducal clan. Also in the Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), second year of Duke Xuan: It has been three years of service. The commentary states: Service means to study; it refers to learning the duties of an official office. Furthermore, anyone who serves another is also called huan. In the Discourses of Yue (Yueyu), it states: Goujian humbled himself to serve Fuchai, sending three hundred men to serve as subordinates in Wu. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), seventeenth year of Duke Xi, it states: Ziyu was held as a hostage in the west, and the concubine became a serving woman. The commentary states: The concubine was a daughter of Duke Hui of Jin. Serving refers to her serving as a concubine in the state of Qin. Also, eunuch, meaning an official of the inner palace. In the History of Song (Songshi), Biography of Eunuchs, it states: Emperor Taizong did not wish to appoint Wang Jie'en as a director of palace affairs, saying: I have read the histories of past dynasties and do not wish to allow eunuchs to interfere in governance. The position of director is a stepping stone to power; he should only be granted other official titles. Also a surname. Also pronounced huan (falling tone) to rhyme with the following lines. In Xie Huilian's Poem on Autumn Thoughts (Qiuhuai shi): Often speaking of Zheng Sheng lying down, I have no desire for the status of a commoner official. Not knowing the minds of the ancients, I shall simply follow what my nature enjoys. Also pronounced yuan (falling tone) to rhyme with the following lines. In Ouyang Xiu's Poem on Reading (Dushu shi): Reflecting on how I first took up books, I studied hard hoping to become an official. How would I dare to deceive for fame, hoping only to escape poverty and lowliness. Textual research: In the Discourses of Yue (Yueyu), it originally read: The King of Yue then served Qin, sending three hundred men to serve in Wu. It has been corrected to read: Goujian humbled himself to serve Fuchai, in accordance with the original text.