You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Speech (yán) Pian Kangxi strokes: 16 Page 1169, Entry 01 Pronounced pian. Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters) states: skilled or clever speech. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Chapter Oath of Qin (Qin Shi): Only with clipped and clever speech. Also, Analects (Lunyu): A friend who is flattering and sycophantic. The modern text uses a different character. Also, Yu Pian (Jade Chapters) states: pronounced lian. Guangyun (Broad Rhymes) states: pronounced lian. Meaning is the same. Also, pronounced pian. Lei Pian (Categorized Chapters) states: persuasive and sycophantic speech. Also, pronounced shan (rising tone). Also, pronounced bian (rising tone). Also, pronounced bian (rising tone). Meaning is the same.