Cen led 2000 soldiers took part in the Battle of Ngọc Hồi-Đống Đa. He was ordered to guard Đống Đa Fort. On January 30, 1789 (Lunar calendar January 5 of "Kỷ Dậu"), his army was besieged by a Tây Sơn army under general Đặng Tiến Đông. Cen committed suicide by hanging. 2000 soldiers were also died in the battle.