govern, manage, imperial

御 is composed of 彳 (step) and 卸 (remove). 彳 represents walking, while 卸 carries the meaning of ruling or governing. However, as 卸 developed other meanings, the character 御 was separately created to express that original sense. According to the ancients’ view, a ruler possessed all under Heaven; his governance was not limited to one place, so he had to travel about in order that every region would come under his rule.