At some point either prior to Emperor Xiaowu's reign or during Emperor Xiaowu's reign, he married Emperor Wen's daughter Princess Baxi. While Chu Yuan was not born of either of his wives, because he was known for his abilities, Princess Wu requested that Chu Yuan be made Chu Danzhi's heir, and he inherited Chu Danzhi's title as the Marquess of Duxiang when Danzhi died on 29 June 460.
At some point either prior to Emperor Xiaowu's rule or during his reign, he wed Princess Baxi, daughter of Emperor Wen. Meanwhile, Chu Yuan was not born from either of his spouses, due to his exceptional abilities, and Princess Wu urged that Chu Yuan be designated as the heir to Chu Danzhi, who subsequently inherited Danzhi's title as the Marquess of Duxiang upon Danzhi's demise on June 29, 460.