Yoshimune was harsh on those who acted contrary to his policy, even though the person was his relative or a powerful fudai daimyo; another example is the punishment of Masamine SAKAKIBARA who was known for lavishly spending in pursuit of his pleasure such as redeeming Takao-dayu (courtesan).
また、高尾太夫を落籍するなど華美な遊興で知られた榊原政岑も処罰するなど、自らの方針に反対する者は親藩であろうと譜代の重鎮であろうと容赦はしなかった。