Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Kangxi Strokes: 8 Page 513, Entry 14 Pronounced yao (third tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen jiezi), it means dark or obscure. As written in the Thinking Rhapsody (Si fu) by Zhang Heng: The sun darkens and sets in the west. According to the Huainan Masters (Huainanzi), Astronomy Chapter: When the sun reaches late afternoon, its reflection shines upward on mulberry and elm trees; therefore, the character for yao (dark) consists of the sun below a tree. Also, according to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it denotes a deep and vast appearance. As written in the Book of Guanzi (Guanzi), Inner Cultivation Chapter: Deep and vast as if entering an abyss. Also, it rhymes with the sound yu (third tone). As written in the Nine Longings (Jiusi) by Wang Yi: My heart wanders and wishes to return, yet the multitude of filth is abundant and dark. My thoughts are choked and obstructed, while tears flow in torrents like rain. Textual Research: According to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the Rhyme Collection (Yunhui), and the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), the pronunciation is listed as yi and niao. Following the original text, the character wu has been corrected to niao.