Hu Xueyan, generally referring to Hu Guangyong, was a prominent businessman during the late Qing Dynasty. Hu Guangyong (1823-1885), also known by his courtesy name Xueyan, was born in Jixi, Huizhou, Anhui Province. At the age of 13, he moved to Hangzhou. He was a well-known merchant and politician in modern China, and hailed as one of the wealthiest businessmen of the late Qing Dynasty. He was also a descendant of Hu Changyi, a prince of the Tang Dynasty. In 1861 (the 11th year of the Xianfeng reign), during the Taiping Rebellion's attack on Hangzhou, Hu Xueyan transported weapons and provisions from Shanghai to aid the Qing army. His efforts earned him the admiration of Zuo Zongtang, who later enlisted his assistance in organizing the "Changjie Army" and establishing the Fuzhou Shipyard. When Zuo Zongtang was suppressing the rebellions in Agubai, Hu Xueyan managed the affairs of the Shanghai Transport Bureau on his behalf, borrowed foreign loans on five occasions, totaling an astonishing 11.95 million taels of silver. He used the funds to provide military supplies, order weapons, and gather intelligence, regularly reporting important news from Shanghai to Zuo Zongtang. Hu Xueyan enjoyed popularity and held the official rank of "Erpin," wearing a yellow official robe. He became the only "Red-Top" businessman in Chinese history.