The four principalities on the periphery of Qi aim to conquer Qi and divide it.

Zhao forces head west but stay within the borders to wait for Wu and Chu forces, which are considered the main force in the rebellion.

Liu Pi, the Prince of Wu, has several strategies suggested to him that he considers: A suggestion by Tian Lubo to have two main forces—one to be led by Liu Pi himself, attacking the Principality of Liang (modern eastern Henan), and one to be led by Tian that would head west by the Yangtze River and the Han River to make a surprise attack directly on the capital Chang'an.

A suggestion by a General Huan to ignore all cities on the way and leapfrog to attack Luoyang and seize the plentiful food and weapons supply near Luoyang.

A suggestion (probably by Liu Pi's heir apparent Liu Ju) to concentrate the forces to attack Liang and destroy it first.

Liu Pi accepts the final suggestion, concerned that if he gives Tian a large force he might rebel, and that Huan's plan is too dangerous.

Wu and Chu forces therefore concentrate against Liang, against Emperor Jing's younger brother Liu Wu, the prince of Liang, whose forces initially suffer devastating defeats, forcing Liu Wu to withdraw to his capital of Suiyang (present-day Shangqiu in Henan), which the Wu and Chu forces then proceed to besiege.