As a living legend when alive, Hu Xueyan, born in Anhui Jixi, suffered a early loss of fatherhood and a poverty-stricken childhood.

• 1862年，胡雪岩因机缘攀上时任浙江巡抚的左宗棠，此后二十年里一直当他的采运官，为之筹措钱粮、军饷，成了后者的“钱袋子”。