After that, he was promoted satisfactorily under the protection of his uncle Kanezane KUJO; for example, in 1188, he was promoted to Ukone no chujo (Middle Captain of the Right Division of Inner Palace Guards), the next year, he was appointed as Jushiinojo (Junior Fourth Rank, Upper Grade), and then Shoshiinoge, in 1190, he concurrently held the post of Chugu Gon no suke (provisional Assistant Master of the Consort's Household), and on July 30 of the same year, he was appointed as Jusanmi (Junior Third Rank).
以後、おじである九条兼実の庇護のもとで順調に昇進し、文治4年（1188年）に右近衛中将に昇進し、翌年には従四位上続いて正四位下に叙せられ、建久元年（1190年）に中宮権亮を兼務して同年6月19日(旧暦)に従三位に叙せられる。