Yin Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Step (chì) Character: 役 Kangxi Strokes: 7 Page 365, Entry 18 Archaic version: From Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collection Rhymes (Jiyun), and Dictionary Compilation (Yunhui), the pronunciation is yi (falling tone). According to Explanation of Simple and Compound Characters (Shuowen), it refers to border defense. As stated in the Preface to the Book of Odes (Shijing), Xiaoya section, regarding picking vetch: Sent to border defense to guard the Central States. Also, according to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it means to employ or service. In the Book of Changes (Yijing), section on Explaining the Trigrams: To apply service to the earth (Kun). In the Book of Documents (Shangshu), Great Announcement: I have performed the work of Heaven. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Offices of Heaven, Grand Administrator: Manage the fields to control the multitude. Also, to seek something without ceasing is called yi-yi. In the Zhuangzi, section on Discussion on Making All Things Equal: Working and striving (yi-yi) throughout one's life without seeing any success. The commentary states: Obtaining one thing is not enough, so one chases after another, exhausting oneself throughout one's life. Also, those who are employed for service are called menial laborers (si-yi). In the History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu), Biography of Zhang Er and Chen Yu: Their guests and menial laborers were all the most outstanding figures in the world. Also, to arrange in rows. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), Daya section: The grain is arranged in rows, flourishing. The commentary states: Yi means rows. The sub-commentary explains: When planting grain, it is arranged in rows, and the sprouts appear flourishing and beautiful. According to the Dictionary Compilation (Yunhui), it is sometimes also written in a variant form (yi).