In cases among hatamoto (direct vassals of the shogun) where there were a considerable number of retainers, second, third or younger sons, as direct descendants without a chance at being adopted by other families were treated as retainers of their hatamoto family and often appointed as groomsmen (Nakakosho) or stablemen (Nakaoku Kosho).
幕臣である旗本のうち、相当数の家臣団を抱える大身旗本の場合は、次男・三男などの庶子のうち、他家に養子に行きそびれた者の直系子孫は、その旗本家の家臣取り扱いとなり、中小姓（中奥小姓）となることが多かった。