It was already determined that Michinaga would eventually become the maternal grandfather and Sessho to the emperor if things went well, but he sent Kenshi to Emperor Sanjo, who he had little connection with, as the second safety net to gain the residence of imperial court.
順調にいけば道長がいずれ天皇の外祖父・摂政となることは疑いないものの、その前にこれまで結びつきの弱かった三条天皇の即位を迎えるにあたって、道長は後宮制覇第二の布石として妍子を三条天皇の下に送り込んだのである。