The conflict between Retired Emperor Goshirakawa and Emperor Nijo, which had resulted in the mutual destruction of many of their most capable courtiers, now entered a lull, and indeed, the government became something of a duumvirate between the two of them (as written in the "Gukansho," 'Now the Retired Emperor and the Emperor spoke in harmony, and were of one mind'), but as for Kiyomori, who had made the single greatest contribution to the current half-victory for each of them, he continued to act prudently, not joining either faction.
後白河上皇と二条天皇の対立は双方の有力な廷臣が共倒れになったため小康状態となり、「院・内、申シ合ツツ同ジ御心ニテ」（『愚管抄』）とあるように二頭政治が行われたが、乱勝利の最大の貢献者である清盛はどちらの派にも組することなく慎重に行動した。