Wei Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Ear (ěr) Kangxi stroke count: 17 Page 969, Entry 05 Pronounced lian (rising tone). Shuowen Jiezi (Shuowen) states it means to connect. It is composed of the ear radical because the ear is connected to the cheek, and from the silk radical, as silk connects without breaking. Zhang Heng's Rhymeprose on Thought (Si Fu) states: Colorful and connected in succession, dark and obscured. Lu Ji's Rhymeprose on Literature (Wen Fu) states: Flowery language linked in succession, like a bird entangled in a string falling from the heights of the clouds. Also refers to official associations. The Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Heaven's Bureau, Grand Administrator, states: Use the eight methods to govern the offices, the third being official associations, to manage the coordination of offices and duties. The commentary states: Lian is read as lian (to connect); it refers to connecting affairs and coordinating duties to assist one another. Also means to unite. The Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Earth's Bureau, Grand Tutor, states: By the six methods of local custom to settle the ten thousand people, the third is to unite brothers. The commentary states: Lian means to join together. Also, The Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Earth's Bureau, Master of Lineages, states: Five families form a bi, ten families form a lian. Five men form a wu, ten men form a lian. Four lv form a zu, eight lv form a lian. According to the Jiyun, pronounced lian (falling tone), meaning to not cease.