It appears that Takauji intended to use Yoriyuki as a counterbalance to the influence that Tadafuyu wielded over the Chugoku region as Nagato Tandai (post created by the bakufu as advanced protection against Mongol invasion).
長門探題として中国地方で影響力を及ぼした直冬に対抗させる意図があったとも考えられている。