Around July 2, 1156, before Emperor Toba died, Goshirakawa prevented Sutoku and Toba from meeting by having Kebiishi, a political and judicial chief, patrol the palace; Emperor Toba's memorial day, seven days after his death, was organized by the Goshirakawa force before Sutoku had a chance to visit the palace, given that he was obviously wary of Sutoku.
保元元年（1156年）7月2日の鳥羽の死去ごろから後白河側は、崇徳と鳥羽との末期の対面を拒否し、検非違使を召集して京中を警備させ崇徳に対する警戒の念をあからさまにしてみせ、鳥羽の初七日を崇徳の臨幸もないうちに実施するなどして、崇徳への露骨な挑発と追い込みを行い始めた。