 Around the new year 535, Yuwen poisoned him to death.Initially, Yuwen was poised to make Emperor Xiaowu's nephew Yuan Zan () the Prince of Guangping the new emperor.However, under suggestion of Yuan Shun () the Prince of Puyang, who argued that Yuan Zan was too young, Yuwen changed his mind and made Yuan Baoju, then 27, emperor instead (as Emperor Wen).