(historical) A title for an official or secretary in the imperial palace; a staff officer in various dynasties.

(literary) An attendant or retainer serving under a high official or noble, especially during the Warring States period and early Han dynasty.

(literary) A polite way to address the son of a noble or high official during the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, similar to 公子 gōng​zǐ.

(archaic) The owner or manager of a guesthouse or inn.

(historical) During the Ming Dynasty, a term for the sons of military officers who were entitled to inherit their father's post in a Guard.