Wu Xinrong, also a Xiao county native, was a landlord who controlled a local armed force. He was also a mayor and had jurisdiction over the counties of Xiayi, Yongcheng (both in Henan), and Dangshan (Anhui). Liu Ziren, a native of Yongcheng county (Henan), was an old-style army commander. These three local power holders were recruited into the Communist camp at the beginning of the Sino-Japanese War through coalition politics.