According to the Mechanical Empire's military system, every Star Domain, Star Cluster, and even every Star System has its own governing structure directly managed by the Empire Core, mainly responsible for building the standing forces in the corresponding area and handling certain administrative affairs.
Of course, if the nobles holding fiefs in these areas are too powerful, the directly managed central administrative system can end up as an empty shell. For example, back in the day the Nanxiang Star Cluster was turned by Liu An into the private property of Nanxiang's Earldom.
Another example: after the Red Blade Clan rose to power, many Star Systems including the Southern Nine Star System were run by the Red Peak Earl Mansion like a state within a state.
But not every noble is that dominant; in many regions, the directly managed central administrative system instead holds the leading position.
