The Story of the Japanese 00396 [Late Heian Period] The Arrival of Bifukumon-in Nariko
Now, Emperor Sutoku, the 'uncle-son' who bore the full brunt of Retired Emperor Toba's resentment, was isolated within the palace.
As for his sinful mother, Taikenmon-in Shoshi, she subsequently gave birth to:
・Prince Michihito (1124–1129)
・Prince Kimihito (1125–1143)
・Princess Muneko (1126–1189)
・Prince Masahito (later Emperor Go-Shirakawa: 1127–1192)
Since she bore one child of Retired Emperor Toba after another, it is likely that the Retired Emperor's anger was directed solely at the Cloistered Emperor Shirakawa and Emperor Sutoku, while he continued to favor Shoshi.
A new consort was about to enter the palace, further muddying and worsening the atmosphere at court. On August 19, 1133 (the second year of Chōshō), a court noble named Fujiwara no Nagazane (1075–1133) passed away. Nagazane had a daughter named Fujiwara no Nariko (1117–1160). She is the woman who would later take the title 'Bifukumon-in'.
Nagazane's doting on his daughter Nariko was extraordinary. Saying, 'I cannot allow her to marry just anyone,' he was unable to decide on a husband for her, and by the time Nariko reached the age of 16, he was facing his own death.
For Nagazane, finding a husband for his daughter Nariko was his greatest concern, and as he faced death, he decided to marry her to the most noble person possible. He decided to have her enter the service of Retired Emperor Toba.
Thus, Nariko entered the service of Retired Emperor Toba and began to receive his favor. It was there that Nariko likely heard from Retired Emperor Toba about the wicked deeds of his grandfather, Shirakawa, and the betrayal of Shoshi. Nariko came to loathe Shoshi.
On May 18, 1139 (the fifth year of Hōen), Nariko gave birth to Retired Emperor Toba's son, Prince Narihito (later Emperor Konoe: 1139–1155).
Now, Emperor Sutoku, who had ascended the throne at the age of three years and eight months, was already 20 years old. A crown prince had to be decided soon. However, there were no children between Emperor Sutoku and his Empress, Fujiwara no Kiyoko (1122–1182), and as for the other sons of Retired Emperor Toba:
・The second son, Michihito, was blind from birth.
・The third son, Kimihito, had a musculoskeletal disorder and had difficulty walking.
・The fourth son, Masahito, had many eccentricities, such as singing 'imayo' songs all day until his voice grew hoarse, and was reputed to be foolish.
These circumstances made them unsuitable to be named crown prince.
Therefore, Nariko pressured Retired Emperor Toba to name the son she had borne, Prince Narihito, as crown prince. Out of his deep affection for Nariko, Retired Emperor Toba designated the one-month-old Prince Narihito as the adopted son of Emperor Sutoku on June 27, and installed him as crown prince on August 17.
In this way, Nariko's power and influence grew, whether others liked it or not.