Even though Kenshi was frowned upon by her relatives for her lavishness, she underwent a purification of her body and a formal Buddhist service just before her death as Michinaga clung to her and mourned 'Where are you going, leaving behind old parents? Please let me accompany you" for the death of his second daughter following that of his youngest daughter Kishi.'
華美を好むあまりに身内の眉をひそめさせることもあった妍子だが、亡くなる間際に身を清め、正式な受戒を済ませての潔い臨終であり、道長は末娘嬉子に続く次女の死に「老いた父母を置いてどこへ行かれるのか、私達も供をさせてくれ」と泣いて取り縋ったと伝えられる。