However, although Prince Taruhito was placed in confinement at home, it is said he disguised himself as a monk and went out of the house at night and met with his associates to discuss national affairs, he also used Kiboku FUJII (who later became a member of the Chamber of Elders) as a secret messenger, who became a distinguished new leader after 粟津 was arrested, to contact with Choshu sides.
しかし、この謹慎期間中も熾仁親王は僧侶に変装して夜な夜な邸を抜け出し、同志たちと密会して国事を論じたほか、入獄中の粟津に代わって頭角を現した藤井希璞（後の元老院議官）を密使として、長州側と接触を図っていたと言われている。