Beef and Lamb

In Liji (Li Chi) or The Book of Rites, an ancient record about the regulations governing proper court behaviour during the Zhou dynasty (11th century–221 BC), one of the rites regarding meat consumption is very revealing. Unless it was for a special occasion, feudal lords were not allowed to slaughter an ox, ministers of state were not allowed to slaughter a lamb, scholars were not allowed to slaughter a dog or a pig, and commoners were not allowed to eat meat. It can be inferred from this that the emperor was the only person who was entitled to eat beef whenever it took his fancy; presumably, his consort or concubines, or perhaps some of his children, who were lucky enough to be eating with him, could also taste it.