However, plagues were prevalent in 737 and most of high officials in the government including Fujiwara four brothers died, then to respond to such catastrophe, Suzuka no Okimi, who was Nagayao's real younger brother, was hastily appointed to Daijo-daijin (Grand minister of state) to barely keep up the appearance of the government.
しかし天平9年（737年）に疫病が流行して藤原四兄弟をはじめとして政府高官の殆どが死亡するという惨事に見舞われて、急遽長屋王の実弟である鈴鹿王を太政大臣に任じて辛うじて政府の体裁を整える。