When Tokuko's son, Imperial Prince Tokihito was enthroned as Emperor Antoku, Ryoko was appointed as a Gojiso (a priest who protects the Emperor through prayer), resulting in his closer relationship with the Taira Clan.
徳子の産んだ言仁親王が安徳天皇として即位するとその護持僧に任じられ、さらに平家一門と密接な関係を持つに至った。