As early as the Ming and Qing Dynasties, farmers at the foothills of Qionglong Mountain were engaged in the side business of killing sheep, roasting mutton, and selling mutton. They generally operated by selling on a ladle or at a stall. It was not until the end of the Qing Dynasty that they began to open shops in Suzhou City. Setupang (commonly known as "Yangzuo"), in the 22nd year of Guangxu's reign, Zhou Xiaoquan from Zhoujiachang, a collection town, went to Suzhou's Jufang Bridge and opened the city's first dine-in "Shengmeizhai" mutton shop.

After Xuantong, "Lao Yixing" and "Lao Xiexing" mutton shops were opened in Dutingqiao and Linton Road respectively. During the Republic of China, sheep farming operations in cities gradually increased, and famous shops such as "Laoyuanxing" and "Xindehe" were opened in Daoqian Street, Yadanqiao, Loumentang and other places. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, the town's first sheep business, the Shengli Mutton Shop, was opened in Shanrenqiao.

In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was still operated by individuals. After the commune became a commune, it was organized and operated by a brigade. More than 10 collective mutton shops were opened in prosperous business districts such as Suzhou Shilu, Gaoqiao, Eunuch Lane, Dongzhong City, and Gongxiang. shop. At the turn of autumn and winter, mutton shops open one after another inside and outside the ancient city. The shops are usually located along the streets, without any pomp and circumstance. The pots and stoves stand in front of the shops, and the aroma spreads to the neighbors, attracting many diners. "Don't ask for fresh mutton soup, don't ask for copper coins" has become a popular saying. People praised him and he became famous, and he still enjoys a high reputation.

Extended information:

The book collection is named after Zhu Maichen, a famous minister of the Western Han Dynasty who worked hard to study. Zhu Maichen came from a poor family and made a living by collecting firewood. When Chai went down the mountain, he recited as he walked. Passers-by laughed at him. His wife repeatedly advised him to stop studying, but Zhu Maichen refused to listen, so his wife took away all his books. So Zhu Maichen hid the book under a big rock on Qionglong Mountain.

When he was chopping firewood and resting, he secretly took out the book to read. Because Zhu Maichen studied hard, he later obtained meritorious service and became the prefect of Kuaiji. In order to commemorate his diligence and hardship in studying, later generations named his hometown "Cang Shu".

Baidu Encyclopedia - Book Mutton