The Imperial Vessel is a body which advises the Emperor of the Liang Empire and institutes policy at his command. It is the inner council of the Emperor, essentially forming the "government cabinet" of the Liang Empire. Members are appointed to their position by the Emperor; they can be dismissed at will by the Emperor.
The emperor serves as the head of the council and takes note of its recommendations, but only the emperor can make the council's decisions into law. The Hand of the Emperor is the leading advisor on the council and serves as the emperor's proxy when he is not present, in which case the Hand chairs the meeting. If the emperor is a minor, then by default the appointed Regent will act in place of the emperor on the council.
The Imperial Vessel meets at the capital city of Hong Kong in the Cloud Palace.