When Takauji ASHIKAGA took up arms against the new Kenmu Government, which successively caused misgovernment, Yorisada and his legitimate son, Yorito TOKI, followed Takauji ASHIKAGA and provided many distinguished war services in the battles against the Southern Court (Japan).
失政が続いた建武新政府に対して足利尊氏が挙兵すると、頼貞とその嫡男の土岐頼遠はこれに従い南朝(日本)との戦いで数々の戦功をあげた。