How did the smallpox epidemic of 737 affect Fujiwara Fuhito’s four sons?

The smallpox epidemic of 737 resulted in the deaths of all four sons of Fujiwara Fuhito. This tragic event caused a temporary decline in the family's fortunes and influence at the imperial court. Despite this setback, the family line was preserved through the sons and grandsons of these four men, eventually allowing the Fujiwara family to regain dominance by the middle of the 9th century.1