Hu Xueyan was a famous businessman in the late Qing Dynasty. He was praised as a patriotic businessman by later generations. He became famous for helping Zuo to pay his salary and recover Xinjiang. However, according to the records of the late Qing Dynasty, Hu Xueyan was not as tall and clever as later generations said. Hu Xueyan's growth was the product of typical collusion between officials and businessmen in that era.

As soon as he saw Wang Youling down and out, he donated officials to him in the form of financial aid. Hu Xueyan's bank was opened before Wang Youling became an official, and he stood out among many banks because of Wang Youling. At that time, relying on the power of Wang Youling, Hu Xueyan extorted money from the rich in Hangzhou in the name of donations from Wang Youling.

Hu Xueyan's other turning point was his other aristocrat, Zuo. Zuo was recommended by Zeng Guofan. He was originally from Anhui, but later went to Zhejiang. Later, he was troubled by food shortage and other problems. So Hu Xueyan, eager to find a new backer, seized this opportunity again. He lent a helping hand in time to help Zuo raise food. Later, he got Zuo's recommendation and gave him a position. Hu Xueyan often travels as a businessman to and from trading ports where foreigners gather, such as Shanghai and Ningbo.

During Zuo's tenure, Hu Xueyan helped him manage affairs, set up porridge factories and charity halls. He also helped him clean up 654.38 million+shipwrecks and persuaded the rich to donate money to solve the post-war financial crisis. In just a few years, Hu Xueyan's wealth has exceeded 10 million. Businessman Hu Xueyan needs a big backer, and Zhejiang Zuo also needs someone to help raise money. Both of them get what they need and hit it off. Zuo He's court always regarded Hu Xueyan as an official. Left didn't see the selfishness of Hu Xueyan. Later, when Hu Xueyan bought the mine, the price was much higher, which made Zuo very angry.