Wei Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Ear (ěr). Kangxi strokes: 11. Page 966, Entry 24. Pronounced líng. In the Discussion of Characters (Shuowen), it is defined as listening. In the Cangjie Essay (Cangjie pian), it states that hearing with the ears is called ling. In the Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun), it refers to acquiring sound through the ears. In the Introductory Biographies of the Former Han (Qianhan Xuzhuan), it mentions, The mother listened to the wailing and carved it into stone. Also, in the Broad Elegance (Boya), ling means to follow. Also, in the Masters of Huainan (Huainanzi), in the chapter regarding customs of Qi, there is the phrase, that which one resides in is ling ling. The commentary notes that ling ling means to understand clearly in one's mind. Also used as a loan character for the word ling (age/years). In the Book of Rites (Liji), within the chapter on the son of King Wen, it says, I dreamed the Emperor granted me nine years. The Explanation of the Text (Shiwen) notes that the original text sometimes appears as ling.