Cheng Yaojin divided his army of 1.7 million into six forces, each with 250,000 troops, and sent them out along six routes to conquer the realm.
Cheng Yaojin personally led 450,000 troops, with Qin Qiong, Xin Wenli, Shang Situ, Zuo Tiancheng, and Wei Wentong serving under him, straight toward Wang Shichong in Luoyang to avenge Yang Lin.
The other five armies were arranged as follows:
Yuwen Chengdu, Tie Lei Qingtian, Wu Tiansi, and Xiong Kuohai led one army of 250,000 east to campaign against Dou Jiande, the King of Xia Ming.
Li Yuanba, Luo Cheng, Hun Jinbao, Hun Yinbao, and Luo Shixin led another army of 250,000 straight toward Shanxi to campaign against Li Yuan, the Tang King.
Luo Song, Zu Hongmo, Ashina Heduo, Geshuchang, and Shi Dongjue led another army of 250,000 straight into the territory of Liu Heita, the King of Later Han.
The remaining generals were divided into two forces led by Wu Yunzhao and Pei Yuanqing, each commanding 250,000 troops to campaign against the other rebel kings.
First came Cheng Yaojin's army. Wherever it went, the rebels surrendered at the mere news of its approach. In less than half a month, it reached the walls of Luoyang.
Even with that bungling strategist Li Mi at his side, Wang Shichong could do nothing. He had no mighty generals capable of conquering the realm under his command. How could his mere 150,000 troops possibly stand against Cheng Yaojin?
After holding out for two days, Luoyang fell. Wang Shichong drew his sword and slit his own throat, and all 80,000 soldiers remaining in the city surrendered.
Cheng Yaojin cut off Wang Shichong's head and set up a memorial tablet for Yang Lin, the King Backing the Mountain, on the drill ground. He offered Wang Shichong's head to honor Yang