Year of the Four Monarchs

The crisis began with the coronation of Earth Queen Lin Gui in Ba Sing Se, which was held with major public celebration and political support from the ruling houses of the Earth Kingdom.

Shortly after her coronation, Commander Yohai Zhōngtài announced the death of Earth Queen Lin Gui, claiming she had been assassinated by an unknown assailant who had infiltrated the Royal Palace. He stated that he personally recovered and buried her body. In the aftermath, Yohai Zhōngtài assumed the title of Earth King, declaring himself Lin Gui’s chosen successor. His claim was immediately met with suspicion from the Earth Kingdom nobility, who questioned the legitimacy of both the assassination account and his succession.

Earth King Yohai later presented the last will and testament of Lin Gui, which named him as her successor and appointed Lady Songwen Beifong as guardian of her daughter Mai Gui.

In Ba Sing Se, Earth King Yohai later disappeared under unclear circumstances, widely believed to be linked to political backlash surrounding his disputed succession. In his absence, Domestic Minister Loian Hemero, a firebender, declared himself Earth King. His claim was immediately denounced as illegitimate by Fire Lord Hanako, who stated that neither Earth King Xaoten nor Earth Queen Lin would have supported such an outcome.

It was later revealed to Mai Gui and the Council of Five (now Council of Three) that Loian Hemero had been coerced into signing an agreement with Water Chieftess Selene Amaryllis. The agreement bound him to total loyalty to her and her family and included the cession of the island of Seilkuq. This revelation triggered a final political rupture.

With the backing of the noble houses, Mai Gui declared herself the rightful Earth Queen and removed Loian Hemero from power, expelling him from Ba Sing Se and the Earth Kingdom. Her accession marked the end of the succession crisis known as the Year of the Four Monarchs.