It is understood that his action was because of his consideration for the Emperor Godaigo, since he was promoted to naidaijin (minister of the center) under the Kenmu Restoration after the Kamakura bakufu was ruined, etc.
後に鎌倉幕府滅亡後の建武の新政では内大臣に登用されている事などから、これは後醍醐天皇の身を案じた行動であると解釈されている。