The Fujiwara clan caused the Anna Incident, as they did not like Imperial Prince Tamehira having an empress who was a daughter of MINAMOTO no Takaakira; so, after he lost his position, Emperor Enyu became a successor, followed by Emperor Reizei.
為平親王が源高明の娘を妃にしていたため、これを嫌った藤原氏の策略による安和の変で、源高明が失脚すると、冷泉天皇の譲りを受けて即位した。