In 1869, these Four Domains simultaneously took the role of national leadership in submitting a plan of Hanseki-hokan (return of lands and people to the emperor), and led the returning of lands and people of the various domains of the entire nation to the emperor.
1869年（明治2年）、4藩同時に率先して版籍奉還を上奏し、全国諸藩の版籍奉還を導いた。