Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kangxi Strokes: 20 Page 1322, Entry 01 Pronounced liao (rising tone). According to the Explanation of Scripts (Shuowen), it refers to white gold (silver). According to the Approaching Correctness (Erya), in the chapter explaining implements, it states that white gold is called silver, and pieces of exceptional purity are called liao. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), in the Xiaoya section, the commentary notes that high officials use liao to decorate the upper end of a scabbard and gold of high purity to decorate the lower end. He Yan in his Rhapsody on the Jingfu Hall (Jingfu Dian Fu) describes the patterns of the liao material as coiled and winding. Also, according to the Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun), it refers to a furnace with holes. Also, pronounced liao (falling tone). Refers to high-quality metal. Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced lao (falling tone). The meaning is the same. According to the Correct Meaning Through (Zhengzitong), Emperor Renzong of the Song dynasty once returned to the palace after touring the rear gardens and felt an urgent need for water. A palace attendant asked why he did not issue an order outside rather than endure the thirst. The Emperor replied that he had looked back several times but did not see a liaoz (a servant responsible for tea and water). If he had asked, he feared the person in charge would be punished. Yang Shen stated that liaoz is a colloquial term for a palace servant.