The unfair distribution of spoils astounded the patriots, who expected to see the higher rank and power conferred upon Nitta and Kusunoki, the chief leaders in the war for the restoration, and both very able men.
It would have been well had the emperor seen the importance of disregarding the claims and privileges of caste, and exalted to highest rank the faithful men who were desirous of maintaining the dignity of the throne, and whose fear was that the duarchy would again arise. Such a fear was by no means groundless, for Ashikaga, elated at such unexpected favor, became inflamed with a still higher ambition, and already meditated refounding the shogunate at Kamakura, and placing his own family upon the military throne.
Being of Minamoto stock, he knew that he had prestige and popularity in his favor, should he attempt the re-election of the shogunate. Most of the common soldiers had fought rather against Hojo than against duarchy. The emperor was warned against this man by his ministers; but in this case a womans smiles and caresses and importunate words were more powerful than the advice of sages. Ashikaga had bribed the Mikados concubine Kadoko and had so won her favor that she persuaded her imperial lord to bestow excessive and undeserved honor on the traitor.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
