[quote=@Drunken Conquistador]
<Snipped quote by Flagg>

You will have to remember that the legitimacy of the Rankovs stem from their appointment to the Exarchate [u]BY[/u] the Empire. Before they were only one of the many houses of Virezhir, and not even one of the largest ones. Over time they built up their power internally, but you've still got prestigious houses with links to their predecessors. 

And just as the Rankovs are trying to loosen the Imperial yoke, some of their vassals wish to do the same for them.
[/quote]

Adds a great storyline if the Kesselbroods are backing/appealing to one of Rankov's restive vassals. Likewise the Kesselbroods need to deal with a parliament and aristocratic vassals, both of which contain strong pro-imperial parties.