Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Qian Kangxi Strokes: 15 Page 547, Entry 02 According to Tang Rhyme (Tangyun), pronounced ran (rising tone). According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced ran (rising tone). Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen): Refers to the unfinished wooden slats used for writing. Xu says: Refers to the roughly whittled wood initially prepared for writing. Wang Chong, Balanced Discourses (Lunheng): Cutting wood to create writing slats. Explanations of Names (Shiming): Qian implies a sense of gradual accumulation. The boards were three feet in length, which indicates the appearance of being gradually lengthened. Yangzi, Model Sayings (Fayan): Shusun Tong was an official in charge of documents. Miscellaneous Records of the Western Capital (Xijing Zaji): Yang Xiong carried lead powder and wooden slats, following the local officials in charge of records, visiting and seeking out special and obscure dialects from various regions to compile the Dialects (Fangyan). Also, from Guixin Miscellaneous Records (Guixin Zashi): The character qian did not exist in ancient times; it began with Wang Anshi and subsequently became popular, to the point that during the Chunxi era, wooden boards were almost completely abandoned. Also, according to Tang Rhyme (Tangyun), pronounced qian (rising tone). According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced qian (rising tone). Pronunciation is identical to qian. Jade Chapters (Yupian): To whittle and prepare wood for writing. Also, according to Tang Rhyme (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), and Classified Dictionary (Leipian), pronounced qian (falling tone). Also, according to Rhyme Compilation (Yunhui), pronounced qian. The meaning remains the same.