Wei Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Silk (mì) Kangxi Strokes: 21 Page 942, Entry 30 Pronounced lei (falling tone). In Explanations of Characters (Shuowen), it refers to knots in silk thread. In Jade Encyclopedia (Yupian), it refers to silk thread that is uneven or not uniform. It also carries the meaning of perverse, unruly, or violent. In Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), Year 28 of Duke Zhao: Feelings of anger and resentment are unending. The commentary explains that because the word for knot is paired with anger, it implies a similarity to anger; thus, it is interpreted as being perverse, referring to someone fierce and violent. It also refers to a flaw, defect, or shortcoming. In History of Tang (Tangshu), Confucian Scholars Biography: To shovel away defects and sweep away the desolate. In Huainanzi, Discourse on General Principles: A bright moon pearl cannot be without a flaw. Textual Research: In Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), Year 28 of Duke Zhao: Feelings of anger and resentment are unending. The commentary notes that when the text links these terms, the meaning of knot corresponds to anger. According to the original text, the phrasing has been corrected to reflect the common text.