in China. As a result, Tso was victorious, and Hu was awarded the red-topped hat by the Imperial Court for his efforts. Along the way, Hu set up various other businesses, ranging from banks to pawnshops. After being recognised by the Qing government for his achievements, Hu also began to engage in more philanthropic activities. His best known contribution that still stands to this day is the medicinal hall Hu Qing Yu Tang. It was known then for its uncompromising quality in medicine, ethical treatment of customers and cheap healthcare. It was said that Hu himself personally exchanged a peasant's medicine after being complained to. It was his ethics that propelled his fame. Later in life, Hu tried to corner the silk trade, leading to a boycott led by the French. In 1883, after being forced to sell silk, he began to experience cash flow problems. There were runs on his bank, and he finally filed for bankruptcy in 1884. Within a year, Hu died of depression at age 62. Hu's former residence is now a tourist attraction in Hangzhou. It was opened to the public in 2001 after restoration. Accomplishments Hu Xueyan is known in modern China for these accomplishments: Funded the modernization of the Chinese army Founded the pharmaceutical company Hu Qing Yu Tang Retrieved cultural relics from outside China (mostly Japan) Ethics of a businessman Popular culture Fragrance of Osmanthus of August () - Taiwanese TV Movie Red Topped Hat Businessman () - 25 episode Chinese TV series References Sources Further reading Notes that Hu's manipulation of the silk trade may have caused a financial crisis in the late 1880s. Politicians from Xuancheng 1823 births 1885 deaths Qing dynasty politicians from Anhui Chinese bankers Businesspeople from Anhui Businesspeople from Hangzhou 19th-century Chinese businesspeople