You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: See (jiàn) Entry: Xian Kangxi Stroke Count: 14 Page 1135, Entry 11 Pronounced lian. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is defined as observing or examining. The Proliferated Records (Yanfanlu) mentions that in the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), terms such as "lian neng" were interpreted by various scholars as investigation, yet they often doubted if this meaning was fitting. Later, upon reading an edict of Emperor Gaozu of Han, it was noted: "Investigate and inquire; those who do not follow my edicts will be severely punished." Yan Shigu commented that the character "lian" was originally written as "xian," sharing the same pronunciation. Only then was it understood that the "lian" representing investigation was originally the character "xian," which carries the meaning of peering or looking into. According to the original Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is written as "xian," formed by the radical for see and a phonetic component. The common variant writing is erroneous. The Supplement to the Dictionary (Zihuibu) records another variant, which is also incorrect.