However, this attempt was disclosed as a rebellion against the retired Empress Koken, and the Emperor Junnin was stripped of the gyoji (imperial seal) and the ekirei (a bell needed for the exercise of the imperial power) by the retired Empress, forcing Nakamaro to flee the Heijo-kyo (the ancient capital of Japan in current Nara).
しかし、謀反との密告もあり、淳仁天皇の保持する御璽・駅鈴を奪われるなど孝謙上皇に先手を打たれて、仲麻呂は平城京を脱出する。