After Michitaka's death, his brother FUJIWARA no Michikane became kanpaku to the Emperor, but he died just seven days later; FUJIWARA no Michinaga, Michitaka and Michikane's brother, who had won the power struggle with Michitaka's son FUJIWARA no Korechika, became nairan (chief secretary) and took power after receiving the recommendation of his sister and the Emperor's mother, Shoshi.
代わりに弟の藤原道兼が関白に就任するがわずか7日後に没し、道隆の子藤原伊周との争いに勝利した道隆・道兼の弟藤原道長が、姉で天皇の生母・詮子の推挙を受け、内覧となって実権を掌握した。