Backed by the strong recommendation of Michinaga, he defeated Sanenobu and assumed the position of Gon Chunagon (a provisional vice-councilor of state) (the legend has it that Sanenobu died of indignation after a resentful defeat).
長保3年（1001年）には道長の強い薦めを受けて、誠信を差し置いて権中納言に就任する（この際、誠信はこれを恨んで憤死したと伝わる）。