Zi Collection, Page Position: Lower Radical: Knife (dao) Character: Li Kangxi Dictionary Stroke Count: 7 Page 138, Entry 19 Records from ancient phonological data: The Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), and Rhyme Assembly (Yunhui) provide the pronunciation as the fanqie of li and zhi. The Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) provides the pronunciation as the fanqie of li and di. It is pronounced the same as the character li, meaning to scold. The Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi) explains: Sharp. The character form is composed of the elements for knife (dao) and harmony (he), suggesting that only through harmony can there be sharpness; therefore, a portion of the element for harmony is omitted. The Book of Changes (Yijing) considers li to be the embodiment of the harmony of righteousness. The Book of Han (Hanshu), Biography of Chao Cuo, records: If weapons are not sharp and complete, they are no different from being empty-handed. Also, the Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun) explains: Auspicious or suitable. The Book of Changes, Hexagram Bi, records: Beneficial to have a place to go. It also refers to personal gain. The Zhuangzi, Chapter Webbed Toes (Pianmu), records: The petty man uses his life to pursue personal gain. Also, the Book of Rites (Liji), Record of the Dikes (Fangji), records: When wealth is valued and rituals are slighted, the people will be greedy for gain. Note: Here, li signifies the intent of greedy seeking. Also, the Book of Han, Annals of Emperor Gaozu, records: Move the five great clans of the Qi and Chu regions to the Guanzhong area, and bestow upon them fertile fields and residences. Note: Yan Shigu says that li refers to being excellent and convenient. Also, the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Record of Trades (Kaogongji), records: An axle has three grain lines; the third line is intended to make the axle smooth and dense. Note: Li here means smooth and dense. It is also a name of a prefecture. The Rhyme Assembly records: In the Ba-Shu region. During the Jin Dynasty, West Yi Prefecture was established; during the Liang Dynasty, the name was changed to Li Prefecture. It is also a surname. The Rhyme Assembly records: During the Han Dynasty, there was a person named Li Qian who served as the Chancellor of the State of Zhongshan. Also, the Rhyme Supplement (Yunbu) provides a rhyming pronunciation as li. The Ancient Music Bureau (Yuefu) poetry records: Rain and snow flutter as the birds labor in distress; the long-beaked birds are satiated while the short-beaked birds go hungry.