The first act of this Grand Prince was to claim sovereignty over Novgorod.

The people were deprived of their Vetche and their _posadnik_, while one of his own _boyars_ represented his authority and ruled as their Prince.

Then the compliant Khan bestowed upon his faithful vassal the triple crown of Vladimir, Moscow, and Novgorod, to which were soon to be added many others.
The next step was to be the setting aside of the old Slavonic law of inheritance, and claiming the throne of the Grand Principality for the oldest son of the last reigning Grand Prince; making sure at the same time that this Prince belonged to the Muscovite line.

This was not entirely accomplished until 1431, when Vasili carried his dispute to the Horde for the Khan's decision.

The other disputant, who was making a desperate stand for his rights under the old system of seniority, was the "presumptuous uncle" already mentioned, who was, it will be remembered, commanded to lead by the bridle the horse of his triumphant Muscovite nephew.