The realm has undergone some strong upheavals over the past hundred years. The Scarlet Empress' absence was keenly felt for a long time, but eventually everyone adjusted to the new state of affairs. The same “interim” situation has held sway for the past hundred years.
Recently though, it has shown some signs of emerging from it's internal troubles. They have sent envoys to all the nations, are sailing forth again in greater numbers, and have been reinvigorated in their long war with the Bull of the North.