During the Wanli period, Xu Hongru was the leader of Anbalism. Xu Hongru and Wilson (a tanner in Luanzhou) have a mentoring relationship. Xu Hongru widely publicized Anbaili teachings in Shandong, and once gathered thousands of people to participate in activities, becoming the leader of Shandong, Henan, Shanxi and other places.
Xu Hongru preached the slogan of resisting oppression and pursuing freedom by means of religious belief, social unrest, organizational ability and geographical location, which inspired people's rebellious spirit.