Tadazane was presumed not so happy about his eldest son, Tadamichi's soft character, he relied more on the second son, Yorinaga, who had a strong personality, Tadazane organized Yorinaga to be under Taishi's support as he wanted Yorinaga to succeed to the family eligible for regents and chancellor.
忠実は柔弱な長男忠通に物足りなさを感じてか、強い個性の持ち主である次男頼長に望みを託し、ゆくゆくは摂関家を彼に継がせるつもりで、泰子の傘下に入れて庇護を得させるよう計らった。