In 1428, when Emperor Shoko was in critical condition, the sixth Shogun Yoshinori ASHIKAGA acted as an intermediary, and Sadafusa's son Hikohito was adopted by the Emperor and succeeded to the throne as Emperor Gohanazono.
正長元年（1428年）にいよいよ称光が危篤となると、6代将軍足利義教の仲介で貞成の子息彦仁を猶子とし、後花園天皇として即位させた。