Wei Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Silk (mì)
緖
Kangxi Strokes: 15
Page 929, Entry 30
Pronounced xu (falling tone).
In the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to the end of a silk thread.
In the Approach to Etymology (Erya), it means enterprise or undertaking.
The commentary explains it as referring to work or career.
In the Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), it refers to a base of operations or a beginning.
In the Book of Documents (Shujing), within the Song of the Five Sons, it refers to the neglect and decline of his ancestral foundation.
In the Book of Odes (Shijing), within the Odes of Lu, it refers to continuing the foundation of the Great King.
In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), within the Offices of Heaven, it refers to evaluating his merits and undertakings.
The commentary notes that it refers to his aspirations and his work.
In the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), within the Biography of Chancellor Zhang, it mentions that when Zhang Cang served as Chancellor of the Exchequer, he was tasked with organizing and revising the calendar.
The commentary explains that it means to investigate and organize.
In the Zhuangzi, within the chapter on Abdicating the Throne, it refers to the remainder used to govern the state.
The commentary on pronunciation and meaning states that it means residue, referring to that which is left over.
In the Songs of Chu (Chu Ci), within the Nine Chapters, it refers to the lingering winds of autumn and winter.
The commentary notes that it means leftover or remaining.
According to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced she (level tone). It refers to that which is left over or remaining. This is the interpretation provided by Xu Miao.
Textual Research:
In the Book of Documents (Shujing), within the Song of the Five Sons, the original text contains the phrase then there is the neglect of his foundation. It should be noted that the original text connects the first two characters to the preceding passage, and royal estate forms a separate clause; they should not be quoted together. The cited text has been amended accordingly.
