Tadayoshi was Takauji's younger brother by one year and the brothers were originally extremely close, with Takauji having immense trust in Tadayoshi.
1歳違いの同母弟ということもあり、元々尊氏と直義の兄弟仲はすこぶる良く、尊氏は直義に絶大な信頼を寄せていた。