Chapter 7: The Fall before the Rise

Izamiya returns to Dragon lands with Hide after taking up his gender change to present as Empress Izamiya
Izamiya courts the dragon's backing. Iwako cannot get a full backing, but she assures him that she will work toward his elevation, which is more backing than most Emperors or Empresses get. Izamiya writes letters to each of the Great clans, seeking their backing. He gets the Mantis easily, as well as the Crab--though the Crab is fickle and primarily held in place by Nagisa. The Scorpion, as well, are an easy choice. The Phoenix and Crane seem to be siding with the Hanti and the Lion want a visit as he's on his way to court.
Going through Ox clan, they find a problem in the Ox Lands in the form of a peasant rebellion. Izamiya takes the opportunity to try and quell it in order to look good. He sneaks in, finds out their goals, and then meets them to agree on a cease fire. Hide stays behind because the Ox clan daimyo considered kidnapping Izamiya and killing Iwako's contingent when she mentioned Izamiya was a Totori. She gets poison from her father and kills the Daimyo after assessing that his son would be the better clan leader.
Izamiya stops at each of the Lion family lands. He receives a fairly positive show from the Ikoma, a luke warm show from the Akodo, and an almost hostile exchange from the Matsu, but he manages to sway them.
They make it to Winter Court without much issue.