Nihon-Ja is a version of Japan, where the rulers think of themselves as being very much above the common folk. (And the common folk think of the ruling class as being very much above them.) The current emperor wants to enact reforms to help the common people. However, the rulers will have nothing of that. There is also a narrative of negotiations with other groups. The Rangers Apprentice books have moved on to a full-scale global diplomacy. The cultures have evolved, with the Skandians now realizing there is benefit in peaceful relationships. (However, they are still tough and ready to fend off anyone that tries to wrong them.)
The "girls" play a more significant role in this book. They finally resolve their differences over "the boys". (Of course, it turns out that there was no conflict, but they didn't know that.) They also handle significant moves on their own, including battling a giant tiger in order to help recruit a tough army. These are not waifish castle maids. They are strong battle-tested women. (They they do still have a few "feminine" skills that come in handy.
People always seem to come at just the right time to help save the day. The rangers manage to embed themselves with the Nihon-ja emperor-in-exile and save the day. The emperor does, however, show the peaceful strength. (Even though it is backed up by a ranger sword.) There is plenty of violence, but the "good guys" eventually win. The kids seem to be growing up. (Weddings are in the making!) It feels like the apprentice is soon ready to go out on its own.
The strategy of making a "Fantasy" world that is easily recognizable as a "real" world works nicely in this series. It is easily to engage in the books because you come with a base level of historical understanding. However, since it is not the "real" world, the author is free to change things around and make an "alternate" history of his own.
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