Gyokei served three periods of emperors, including Emperor Konoe, Emperor Goshirakawa and Emperor Nijo as a Gojiso (a priest who prays to guard the emperor) and is said to have been particularly highly trusted by Emperor Goshirakawa.
近衛天皇・後白河天皇・二条天皇の三代に亘って天皇の護持僧となるが、特に後白河院の信任が厚かったとされる。