It is not clearly known what was written in the "Imperial Edict" (Shochoku [imperial message]); however, it is thought that the edict appointed Prince Otomo to become the next emperor after the death of Emperor Tenchi.
ここでいう「天皇の詔」（詔勅）の内容は判然としないが、天智天皇の死後に大友皇子を践祚させることを指示していたものと考えられている。