However, Yoritomo in Kamakura, who gradually expanded his influence after he defeated the Taira clan in 1186, sent a letter to Hidehira to make a faint, saying, 'Let me act as an intermediary for the horses and gold to be presented by Mutsu to Kyoto.'
しかし平氏滅亡後の文治2年（1186年）、平氏を滅ぼして勢力を拡大してきた鎌倉の頼朝は「陸奥から都に貢上する馬と金は自分が仲介しよう」との書状を秀衡に送り牽制をかけてくる。