Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). Kangxi stroke count: 9. Page 519, Entry 05. Pronounced rou. According to Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Compendium (Yunhui), and Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun), the pronunciation is that of the character shou in the level tone. According to Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to the property of wood being able to be bent or straightened. It is also the opposite of hard (gang). Book of Changes (Yijing), Discussion of the Trigrams: To establish the laws of the earth is to define the soft (rou) and the hard (gang). Book of Documents (Shujing), Great Plan (Hongfan): Use firmness to overcome the deep and reserved; use softness to overcome the brilliant and clear. Laozi, Dao De Jing: Is it not because of its softness? It also carries the meaning of to soothe or comfort. Book of Documents (Shujing), Canon of Shun (Shundian): Soothe those from afar and be close to those who are near. It also means to tame or subdue. Zuo Commentary (Zuo Zhuan), 28th Year of Duke Xi: We have received the assistance of Heaven, and the state of Chu is in the wrong and admits its guilt; we shall now subdue them. It also refers to the early growth of vegetation. Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes (Xiaoya): The bracken ferns are still soft and tender. It is also the name of a state. Former Han History (Qianhan Shu), Treatise on Geography: It belonged to Langya Commandery. The common way of writing it is incorrect.