Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Clan's Dissatisfaction

After learning the fact that the Fire Lord sent a letter of peace to the Earth Kingdom, the Six Provincial Governors or the Six Clan Heads requested an immediate meeting.

Over the centuries, the Six Major Clans solidified their influence, their descendants wielding the privileges Kazan bestowed upon them. 

With each generation, the clans' loyalty to the throne became more conditional, as they grew to view their power as their rightful inheritance rather than a responsibility to the Fire Nation. 

The clans developed strong regional loyalties and began acting as semi-autonomous rulers, often placing their clan's interests above the Fire Lord's commands.

By the time of Fire Lord Jinsung, the clans' sense of entitlement had become a significant obstacle to unifying the Fire Nation under a single, loyal government. 

While they respected the throne's authority in theory, their inherited rights allowed them to challenge or ignore the Fire Lord's decrees if it conflicted with their interests.

So they were outraged when the Fire Lord acted on his own without their advisory nor council. They felt entitled that the Fire Lord should always consult them when he acts.

"My Lord! This is outrageous! The Earth Kingdom brutes would never vye for peace!" The Long Clan Patriarch bursted. Long Ji was the first one to learned about the Fire Lord's action as the Minister of External Affairs is a member of the Long Clan so he was the first to act.

"I usually don't agree with Clan Head Long Ji but he is right my lord. You are only putting yourself in danger. Those mud huggers would just use this as an opportunity to attack you." 

The room was filled with murmurs of dissent, heads shaking in disbelief. Each of the clan heads, draped in their clan's colors and insignias had gathered around the long, ornate council table. 

Their faces were wearing expressions ranging from disbelief to anger. It was clear they felt Jinsung had overstepped his bounds.

Long Ji, his face flushed with barely concealed rage, continued his protest. 

"Fire Lord, diplomacy with the Earth Kingdom is folly! Their so-called 'peace' is a ploy to gain the upper hand. The Earth Kingdom is weak, fractured like us—now is the time to strengthen our borders, not play at diplomacy!"

The other clan heads nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves. Jinsung watched their reactions with an impassive gaze, allowing them to air their grievances without interruption. They had grown used to a Fire Lord who was malleable, one who sought their approval before taking action. But Jinsung had made his choice, and he did not intend to back down.

Feng Wei, the head of the Feng Clan, leaned forward, her voice sharper and colder than Long Ji's. "Fire Lord, tradition dictates that such a decision be made with the council's consensus. Acting without our approval disregards the foundation of this nation. We were chosen to guide the Fire Lord, not to be ignored."

Jinsung's eyes narrowed, his patience waning as he listened to each clan head speak as if they were equals or even superiors. He could feel the flames of the torches in the room flicker, almost as if responding to his frustration. He finally spoke, his tone cold and resolute.

"When," he began slowly, letting his words sink into the silence, "did the Fire Lord move according to the whims of the High Council?"

The sudden question caught the clan heads off-guard, and a tense silence filled the room.

"Was Avatar Kazan a subordinate of his six companions, or was it the other way around?" Jinsung's gaze swept across the room, locking eyes with each of the clan heads, challenging them to answer.

The heads of the clans shifted uncomfortably, unused to such direct confrontation. Feng Wei opened her mouth to respond but closed it quickly, her expression faltering.

Jinsung continued, his voice unyielding. "Avatar Kazan created this nation, and he placed his trust in his companions to help him unify it. They were granted titles and territories, yes, but not to use them as bargaining chips against the throne." He leaned forward, eyes blazing. "Your power is derived from the Fire Lord's will, not the other way around."

Long Ji, his pride wounded regained his composure. "With respect, my lord, we are not simply your vassals. The clans have earned our standing through generations of loyalty and sacrifice. Without us, the Fire Nation would fall into disarray."

"Disarray?" Jinsung's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "The disarray we now face is because each clan sees itself as a separate kingdom, each prioritizing its own interests. How can we unify as a nation when every decision is challenged, every command questioned?"

The clan heads exchanged glances, their asses being handed down to them by the Fire Lord. It was usually the other way around but this time it was different.

They had never heard a Fire Lord speak this way before. 

Jinsung continued. 

"The Earth Kingdom's divisions mirror our own. If we are to prevent conflict, we need to address our internal divisions before looking outward. This meeting with the Earth King is the first step in securing stability, both for the Fire Nation and for our neighboring lands."

Shi Liang, head of the Shi Clan, raised a cautious voice. "Fire Lord, you must understand our concerns. The Earth Kingdom's instability could threaten our borders. If this meeting goes poorly, it could lead to extreme political repercussions."

Jinsung met his gaze steadily. "Which is why I will handle it myself. I will negotiate as a representative of a united Fire Nation, not as a representative of six clans." His voice grew harder

Long Ji's fists clenched, but he said nothing, realizing the danger of outright defiance. The others followed suit.

They may be powerful but on paper the Fire Lord is the supreme power. He was previously ignorant of this power and doesn't know how to leverage it but now the young Fire Lord had opened his eyes and learned how to handle the blade called the Throne.

Seeing their silence, Jinsung gave a slight nod. "I will hear your counsel when I deem it necessary. But remember this—our ancestors sacrificed to build a unified Fire Nation. I will not see it undone by petty rivalries."

The clan heads glanced at one another, recognizing that a new era was dawning. They were reluctant, but Jinsung's authority was now unmistakably clear. This Fire Lord was not one to be dismissed or controlled.

After a moment, Long Ji inclined his head stiffly, a gesture of begrudging respect. "As you wish, Fire Lord."

Jinsung's expression softened slightly, though his resolve remained firm. "Good. Now, return to your provinces and tend to your duties. We all have a part to play in securing the future of the Fire Nation."

The clan heads bowed, though some lower than others, before filing out of the chamber, leaving Jinsung alone with his thoughts. He knew this confrontation had only sown the seeds of change, and that it would take time to reshape the Fire Nation's fractured loyalties. But it was a start—a necessary one.