Ögedei's widow, Töregene, holds power between 1242 and 1246 as regent in preparation for the selection of her son, Güyük, as the new khan.

Present during the kuriltai is the Franciscan friar, Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, a papal envoy sent to ascertain the intentions of the Mongols.

He recognizes that the Mongols plan the conquest of Europe, and he belatedly urges Europe's monarchs to adopt Mongol strategy and tactics to oppose the coming onslaught.

Güyük apparently is torn between completing the conquest of China and continuing the conquest of Europe.

The latter project is complicated, however, by Güyük's continuing rivalry with Batu.

Just as civil war seem imminent in 1249, Güyük dies.

The Mongol Empire's commanders in the Huai River area remain on the defensive, taking few major Song cities, although the regent Töregene and Güyük Khan order their generals to attack the Song.

Yarolsav had again been summoned to the east in 1245, this time by Güyük Khan in Karakorum, where he is poisoned by the Great Khan's mother, Töregene.

He dies a week after gaining permission to return home.

The death of Güyük in 1248 had probably averted an impending family war.

His widow and regent, Ogul-Gaimish, attempts to hold power for Ögödei’s sons and his brother Chaghatai, but the 1251 election goes to Möngke, son of Ghengis Khan’s youngest son Tolui.

The Ögödei princes conspire against Möngke, who has most of them executed, then orders Ogul-Gaimish wrapped in a carpet and cast in a river to drown.