Wu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Use (yòng) Kangxi Strokes: 12 Page 756, Entry 08 Pronounced ning (falling tone), same pronunciation as the character for flattering (ning). Explaining the character in the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is defined as what one desires. Xu Xuan notes: The character has a meaning equivalent to the character for peaceful (ning). In current colloquial usage, the expression meaning "would rather" is written with this character. It is also used as a surname and a place name. In the Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu), in the seventh year of Duke Xi: Duke Xi, along with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Heir Apparent Kuan, and the Heir Apparent Hua of Zheng, held a meeting and swore an oath at Ningmu. Note: There is a Nimu Pavilion east of the district of Gaoping. In the Commentary of Zuo (Zuozhuan), in the fifth year of Duke Wen: Yang Chufu of the State of Jin visited the State of Wei, and upon returning, he passed through the territory of Ning, where Ning Ying followed him. Note: Ning was a city-state of the State of Jin, located in the Xiuwu District of Jijun. In the Commentary on the Classic of Waterways (Shuijing Zhu): When King Wu of Zhou campaigned against the tyrant Zhou of Shang, he gathered his troops in the territory of Ning, which was later renamed Xiuwu. Also pronounced ning (level tone), with the same sound and meaning as the character for peaceful (ning). In the Former Han, Songs of the Suburban Sacrifices (Qianhan Jiaosi Ge): Wandering and roaming, thoughts return to where they belong, abundance and prosperity return to the right path to realize past desires. Note: This means that having received many blessings and returning to the right path, one is able to realize past aspirations. Also, in the Biography of Wang Mang (Wang Mang Zhuan): Always peaceful and tranquil.