A short list of some interesting Imperial Dynasties:

Zen Dynasty:   An old dynasty and are thus not natural recipients of high positions in government. The Emperor tends to trust his children and grandchildren, while the Zen Dynasty descendants of the emperor they are of the twelfth generation, old but often overlooked. They are committed to proving their loyalty to the Emperor. Probably in an effort to be allowed marriage to an Imperial daughter and achieve heightened status and position. They are aiming at a governorship in Harperrim in order to align the city even more closely with Hanshu.   Zang Dynasty:   Another old dynasty, descendant from a child of the emperor 400 years ago. When the third heir to this dynasty was denied an important ministerial position, he went into business. Subsequent members of the dynasty followed his lead. Today the family is the richest in the Wend Wall, owning a business and banking empire stretching across Renata. The family is seen as more financially secure than the Imperial Government and serves as the primary source of loans to the Emperor’s Government. Trade is not seen as honourable in the Wend Wall, and so the family is not well liked, nor often seen in public, preferring to remain on their estates across the country.   Chen Dynasty:   A fairly young dynasty. They have focused their efforts on the army. All members of this dynasty are made to train in soldierly activities and attend officer’s academies. Three members of the dynasty are generals and one is Supreme Quartermaster of the North. Because of their heavy involvement in the military they are seem as a potential danger by the Emperor. As a result, the oldest child of the dynasty must always remain in Hanshu, a hostage for the good behaviour of the family.   Huang Dynasty:   This dynasty serves as a warning of what can happen to an old imperial dynasty. Once one of the wealthiest dynasties this family was from the firth generation on systematically denied positions in the administration. They had acquired large and expensive holdings during their time of prominence and were soon heavily indebted. They were forced to sell of their property and sunk into poverty. Members of the family became involved in crime, and some were executed. Last anybody heard of them they had settled in the north of the country, rumoured to be involved in smuggling and other criminal activity.   Wu Dynasty:   To keep their divine blood pure this dynasty has only ever married other members of their own dynasty, or direct descendants of the Emperor himself. Over time this has led to them being distinctly recognisable due to their unique facial and bodily features. However, their commitment to the imperial blood has been recognised by the God-Emperor. They continue to be awarded high positions in the Empire. The current scion of the family is Minister of Culture.