Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Liao Kangxi strokes: 20 Page 1322, Entry 07 Pronounced liao. In the Explanation of Characters (Shuowen), it refers to white gold. In the Literary Expositor (Erya), in the section Explaining Vessels (Shiqi), it states that white gold is called silver, and its finest variety is called liao. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), within the section Minor Odes (Xiao Ya), the text Biben You Bi states: High officials decorate their sword-scabbards with liao and their pommels with liu. In the Rhapsody on the Jingfu Hall (Jingfu Dian Fu) by He Yan, it is written: The texture of the liao is coiled and rounded. Also, in the Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), it refers to a furnace with holes. Also, in the Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), Collected Rhymes (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), it is pronounced liao. It refers to fine gold. Also, in the Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), it is pronounced lao (falling tone). The meaning is the same. Also, in the Correct Meaning Guide (Zhengzitong), it is recorded that when Emperor Renzong of the Song dynasty returned to the palace from the rear garden, he urgently requested a beverage. An attendant asked, Your Majesty, why not summon it from the outside instead of suffering from thirst? The Emperor replied, I looked repeatedly but could not see the liaozi; I feared that if I asked for it, the official in charge would be punished. Yang Shen stated that liaozi is a special term for a cook.