Although Goshirakawa hesitated, Tsunemune proposed senji saying 'At present, Yoshitsune is the only one military commander in Kyoto. If you oppose his proposal and he rebels, who can fight back? Therefore, you should issue senji as requested.' and chaired the ceremony for the senji to subjugate Yoritomo (Article for the same day in "Gyokuyo").
躊躇する後白河に、経宗は「当時在京の武士、只義経一人なり。彼の申状に乖かれ若し大事出来の時、誰人敵対すべけんや。然らば申請に任せて沙汰あるべきなり」と進言し、頼朝の追討宣旨の上卿を勤めた（『玉葉』同日条）。