- Drama Title: Pursuit of Jade
- Also Known As: 逐玉, Chasing Jade, Zhu Yu
- Director: Zeng Qing Jie
- Screenwriter: Zou Yue
- Genres: Historical, Romance
- Cast: Zhang Ling He, Tian XI Wei
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Date of Release: March 6, 2026
- Original Network: iQiyi, Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: WeTv, Tencent Video, iQiyi, Netflix
- Adapted from the web novel “Zhu Yu” by Tuan Zi Lai Xi.
Dear readers, I was thrilled to write this post! It’s been a while since I’ve been engrossed in a historical drama and watched it without having another drama on my watchlist. This is one of the Chinese dramas released in March 2026. So, I won’t waste words on everyday talk. I’ll get straight to the point: Here’s my review of Pursuit of Jade. Enjoy!
Pursuit of Jade Drama Review
The Synopsis
Fang Chang Yu from Xigu Lane in the small town of Lin’an was left an orphan after her parents were killed by bandits. To support herself and her younger sister, Fan Chang Yu makes a living by butchering pigs. A skill she inherited from her father.
One day, on her way back home from work, she find a barely living man buried under snow. She couldn’t leave him there to die, so she brings him home and nurses him back to life. The man, Yan Zheng, promises to repay her kindness.
A dire situation later pushes them into a fake marriage. But as the days pass, their fake affection slowly turns into something real. However, war tears them apart. Determined to find her husband, Fan Chang Yu picks up her butcher’s knife and heads to the battlefield.
Fan Chang Yu fights her way into a military camp. There, she finally finds Yan Zheng. But what she doesn’t know is that the man she has been searching for has another identity, Xie Zheng. And he is not an ordinary man. He is a nobleman walking a path of revenge.
Once, Xie Zheng fought only to protect his country and avenged his parents’ death. But now, he has the woman he loves and a new family that he must protect at all costs. Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, Fan Chang Yu and Xie Zheng find their way back to each other. This time, they choose to stand side by side, to defy the fate, and to uncover the truth together.
The Review
I’ve been waiting Pursuit of Jade with excitement. I’ve read the story and was instantly fell in love with Fan Chang Yu, the unique lady with shocking power. I love how she is written as an independent woman who willing to do things that no one else would do, like being a butcher.
This is not a profession that most people would choose because it’s a hard job, and the smell of blood can be nauseating. So when the story was adapted into the drama, I made up my mind and determined to watch it.
I was so glad the director chose Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei as the leads. Who could resist their charms anyway? Even if the story were bad, I am sure I would still enjoy it because they were such good actors. I have watched many of their dramas, and in my opinion, Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei’s acting skills are getting better and better.
Pursuit of Jade is such an easy, enjoyable watch for me. it has everything you’d want in one drama. Romance? This is the main dish. Comedy? Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei clearly know what they’re doing. Mystery? This drama kept me guessing longer than I expected. Power and politics? It’s all part of the game.
The characters in this drama are quite diverse. There are smart ones, naïve ones, awkward ones, devoted ones, obsessed ones, and more. Honestly, you could just name it, they’ve got it. Some will make you laugh. Some will test your patience. And some will catch you off guard. With that kind of mix, it’s no surprise that I couldn’t even take my eyes off the screen.
I remembered laughing in episode 4 when Fan Chang Yu was practicing her speech for the court. I loved seeing the frustrated Xie Zheng when she failed to remember the characters properly. Then I laughed even harder in the later episodes when many scholars gave up on being her teacher.
All of them were suffering from exhaustion and frustration. Tian Xi Wei did a very good job as Fan Chang Yu, a girl who was half literate but very confident in her speech.
Oh, before I forget, while watching this drama, don’t skip the intro, because many episodes started immediately after the distribution license page and the Tencent Video logo. They place the intro later. Many Western series do the same, and I actually like this kind of setting. 🫰🏻
Pursuit of Jade successfully made me as their devoted viewer. The story came in a perfect pace. Nothing was too rushed or too slow. The story flows smoothly with flashbacks woven in between scenes. Everything feels well-balanced and it keeps you engaged from one episode to the next.
So, if you are planning to watch this drama, I’d really recommend a binge-watching method. If you try to take it as a daily dose… be prepared to suffer. You’ll ended up torturing yourself, stuck between the episodes with no relieve. 🤪
The only thing that I wish this drama had is a few more episodes. After finishing the whole episodes, the closure felt less than I expected. Yes, it was a happy ending. And yes, they give us some glimpses of Xie Zheng and Fan Chang Yu living a happy life as a couple.
They even added an alternate universe storyline. But somehow, the truth they had been chasing all along didn’t feel fully explained. It was there, but not in the way that truly satisfies me.
Now I really miss the days when Cdramas used to be THAT long like in Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace (87 episodes), The Rebel Princess (68 episodes), Love and Redemption (59 episodes), Nirvana in Fire (54 episodes), or The Long Ballad (49 episodes).
Sure, sitting through all those episodes felt like a torture. My poor back almost couldn’t handle it. But at least they gave me the kind of explanation and closure I was desperately looking for. 🥺
This drama was so enjoyable to watch because the cast did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I was stunned by how good Kong Xue Er (Blood River, Legend of the Female General, The Prisoner of Beauty, Blossom) acted as Yu Qian Qian, and how scary Deng Kai’s (Governor’s Secret Lover, Wind Direction) portrayal of Qi Min/Sui Yuan Hai was.
Even Guan Yun Peng (The Immortal Ascension, Perfect Match, Have a Crush on You) who played the frustrating puppet emperor, Qi Sheng, did such a good job that I almost instantly despised him.
However, my favorite trio are Liu Lin (She and Her Perfect Husband, Will Love in Spring, The Long Season) who played Mrs. Zhao, Yue Yang (Jun Jiu Ling, New Life Begins, Melody of Golden Age) who played Mr. Zhao, and Li Jian Yi (The Best Thing, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, A Date with the Future) who played Master Tao Yi.
Their characters were incredibly entertaining to watch. Combined with Cao Yan Ning (The Glory, Blossoms in Adversity, Love on the Turquoise Land) who played the cute Fan Chang Ning, they made every scene feel alive.
But the true stars of this drama, of course, Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei. Since I saw him in Love Between Fairy and Devil, I already put Zhang Ling He in my must-watch list. He did a great job in My Journey to You, Story of Kunning Palace, and my favorite, The Best Thing. I’m already waiting for his next drama in 2026, Overdo.
Zhang Ling He is such an expressive actor. I loved seeing him almost burst a blood vessel when he saw his falcon fall for Chang Ning’s trap in episode 3. Of all his surprised/shocked/what-on-earth-is-happening/are-you-kidding-me expressions, this one made me laugh the most.
That bird was supposed to be powerful and smart since it belonged to Xie Zheng, the mighty general. But it fell into such a crude trap that it surely deserves the head slap and the “stupid bird” call. 😂
And I notice something. Zhang Ling He usually goes for strong and straight brows like in The Story of Kunning Palace and My Journey to You, where they make him look sharp, composed, and intimidating.
Or sometimes he goes for slightly slanted brows that gives off a softer, kinder, and friendlier vibe as in The Best Thing and Love Between Fairy and Devil. But this time, there was something different with them. His brows are softer, less defined, almost slightly lowered.
And it gives Xie Zheng this subtle sense of vulnerability and helplessness. He seemed to be in constant stress, and honestly, it works so well. Especially in those moments when he has to deal with Fan Chang Yu’s antics. You can literally see the struggle on his face. 🤪
Talking about Fan Chang Yu, I must say that I was impressed with Tian Xi Wei’s portrayal of her. Fan Chang Yu is a simple person but that makes all her emotions feel raw. She didn’t hold back when she was happy, sad, angry, or frustrated. And Tian Xi Wei successfully turning this fictional character into life.
Her chemistry with Zhang Ling He is strong and you could feel it from the very first episode. And since both Tian Xi Wei and Zhang Ling He are never shy when it comes to romance and skinship, we surely get some spicy moments later on.
Zeng Qing Jie, the director, did a very good job capturing those scenes, make them sensual without being overly explicit.
For me, Tian Xi Wei is a joy to watch on screen. At first, I thought that she might always be typecast in one role only: the sweet, cute, and simple girl. But after watching Guardians of the Dafeng and Moonlit Reunion, I changed my mind. She did great as Princess Ke Ke and Wu Zhen.
And now she brings Fan Chang Yu’s character to life perfectly. She is ideal for this kind of strong-willed but cute heroine. If you like her, I suggest you watch Moonlit Reunion. Tian Xi Wei also shows a flirty side there alongside the dashing Xu Kai.
The ending of this drama is surely a happy ending. As I said before, the closure was a bit less satisfying than I expected. But since I had read the novel, I was somewhat understood it. But for those who came straight to the drama, you might need to work your brain a little harder. Still, they give us some glimpses of an alternate universe that worth watching. So, yes, I forgave them for that. 😁
The Story-Where Love Finds a Home
“Hardship come, hardship go. Tears may fall, but you must keep moving forward. Even if the sky falls, there’s always someone taller to hold it up. We must always eat well and sleep well.”
(Fan Chang Yu’s parents)
Although Pursuit of Jade is rich in romance, it was the strong family bond that truly warmed my heart.
Fan Chang Yu and Fan Chang Ning were born to kind and loving parents. They loved and protected each other. Both sisters grew up to be strong and independent. Even when they were apart, they believed that, in the end, they would find each other again.
And when they finally reunited, all the walls that had protected their hearts crumbled in an instant, and the tears they had held back poured out at once. Because no matter how cruel the world is, Fan Chang Yu and Fan Chang Ning still had each other. And that was enough to survive it all.
Fan Chang Yu and Fan Chang Ning were also lucky to have Mr. and Mrs. Zhao as their neighbour. The old couple treated the girls as their own daughters, while the girls saw them as their closest family.
Compared to Xie Zheng, Fan Chang Yu was a lot luckier when it came to family. Aside from Mr. and Mrs. Zhao, she also has Constable Wang and General He, who cared for them. Master Tao Yi also step up to help Fan Chang Yu when she was in dire situation.
Meanwhile, Xie Zheng was also raised by loving parents. But they passed away too early. Tragically, his father died in war and his mother took her own life. He was then raised by Wei Yan, his uncle.
But the bond shattered after Xie Zheng discovered that Wei Yan had a hand in General Xie Lin Shan’s death. I’m sure the truth broke Xie Zheng’s heart completely. Because deep down, he once truly respected his uncle.
In the end, family doesn’t always come form blood. But also, from the people who choose to stay and protect you. Pursuit of Jade told us that even after loss, warmth can still be found in unexpected places. You just need to open your heart. 💖
Now comes my favorite part: the romance. Pursuit of Jade shows us that the people meant to stay in your life would always find their way back to you. No matter how far they were torn apart. And in the end, it’s not power or revenge that truly matters. It was the people who choose to stand beside you through it all.
In the beginning, Xie Zheng never planned to stay long with the Fan family. But inside that simple and humble house, he found the warmth he had always longed for. He agreed to marry into the family because he really wanted to help and protect her.
Xie Zheng had long carried the burden of life in his shoulders. Behind him were the lives of thousands of Yanzhou soldiers. He was also deeply traumatized by his mother’s sudden death and continued to blame himself for it.
Xie Zheng forgot that he was only a child back then. His mother’s decision had nothing to do with him. But in those times, there were no psychologist or therapist to help him process it. So all he could do was quietly carry that emotional weight.
But then Fan Chang Yu entered his life. She allowed him to show his weaker side without judgement. She didn’t criticize or questioning him. Instead, she offered protection and support.
Something that Xie Zheng never realized he needed. And that was when Xie Zheng’s frozen heart began to melt and love start to grow. And I think that’s exactly what makes Fan Chang Yu’s character so special.
Tian Xi Wei’s Fan Chang Yu almost reminded me of Zhao Lu Si’s Cheng Shao Shang in Love Like the Galaxy. Both characters were simple and kind. Yet, can be quite frustrating when it comes to studying.
They struggled with discipline and patience. However, both characters have that street-smart instinct that I really adore. They were shaped by hardship and was forced to grow up relying on themselves.
However, while Cheng Shao Shang is outspoken and reactive, Fan Chang Yu is the opposite. She is quieter, more restrained, and sensitive. Yet, despite their differences, they share the same core. Both girls were strong willed, independent, and loyal.
Cheng Shao Shang did not hesitate to shield Ling Bu Yi from rains of arrows, while Fan Chang Yu did not hesitate to drug her husband just to keep him away from battlefield. She is also the only person who could boldly said, “General Xie, if you encounter any danger, hide behind me”. 😆
The Story-A Web of Betrayal
Now the real mystery in this drama is the Jinzhou tragedy that happened 16 years ago. Back then, because of the provision never arrived, the Crown Prince Chengde and General Xie Lin Shan died in the battle.
Their body was hanging on the city walls for days. The one responsible for the provision is Wei Qi Lin. Later, he took his own life to atone for his sin. His name was forever stained as the great traitor of country.
Years later, Xie Zheng learned that his uncle, Wei Yan, had a hand in the tragedy. Wei Yan even tried to kill him, which is why he ended up in the snow. Xie Zheng then deliberately let the news of his death spread in the country, causing a stir in the court.
Meanwhile, Great Yin was under threat from both the outside and the inside. Beijue, a neighbouring country, was eyeing its prosperity. At the same time, Lord Changxin was waiting for the right moment to usurp the throne. That alone was enough to keep a country in chaos.
But apparently, it wasn’t enough for this drama. So the author decided to add even more problems to make things spicier. First, a cowardice puppet emperor. Then two powerful ministers fought to be the strongest power behind the throne.
Qi Sheng, the emperor, sat on the throne with the help of Wei Yan. In reality, Qi Sheng wasn’t fit to rule. He lacked both the aura and the capabilities of an emperor. He was easy to control, and Qi Sheng knew it. His cowardice honestly made me what to smack his head and turn off the screen.
Prime Minister Wei Yan and Grand Tutor Li Xing were always at odds. They served the same emperor and the same country, but their loyalty lies with their own families. Each of them tried to sabotage the other, turning the court into a constant battlefield of schemes and hidden agendas.
Marquis Wu’an, Xie Zheng, hold strong military power. He is the mighty general of Great Yin feared by many, including Beijue. And whether they like it or not, Great Yin needs him, because Xie Zheng was the only one who can stabilize the internal conflict as well as the rebellion.
Dear readers, since the beginning, I could already sense that Fan Chang Yu’s identity was not simple. There was a mystery behind her parents’ death and it clearly linked to the Jinzhou tragedy.
The Visual-A Treat You Didn’t Expect
This drama really served the cast’s best appearance. I’ve never seen Zhang Ling He look this handsome before. That close up shot of Yan Zheng staring out of the window? It made my heart skipped a beat. Tian Xi Wei, on the other hand, shines in a different way.
She is so adorable that I can’t take my eyes off her. When she replace Yan Zheng in the battlefield, the ordinary soldier armour didn’t make her out of place, instead it give a heroic touch in her appearance.
The detailed sets also deserve some praise. In episode 7, Fan Chang Ning was told to fetch water from the well. But what caught my attention wasn’t the well itself. It was the adorable little pig carved into the wooden wheel that turns the pulley.
The pig looked so round and chubby, with tiny legs and a small snout. Its hind part was equally cute with tiny tail. It’s such a random but cute details. A feast for the eyes. 🐷
This drama also offers a wide range of living environment. From the grand palace to a small butcher house in Xigu Lane. From the peaceful forest to the chaotic battlefield. Everything was beautifully crafted, except for the pigs and the falcon. I felt like they could done so much better to make those animals look more realistic.
At least, that was I initially thought. But after watching the behind-the-scenes clips, my perspective completely changed. It turns out that both animals were created using robotic models, and the process behind them was far more complex than I had expected.
Now I realize how much effort the production team put into something that I thought “unrealistic”. I can’t help but feel so ashamed. You see, it takes a whole village to bring a story to life. And for that alone, their hard work deserves our appreciation. 👏🏻
And I’m sure some of you noticed something a bit off about Song Yan’s face. According to what’s been circulating online, Song Yan was originally played by He Chang Xi. But later, his face was replaced with Zhu Zan Jin using an AI face-swap technology. I won’t go deeper into this. You can easily look it up yourself. 😆
The Characters
Xie Zheng / Yan Zheng / Xie Jiu Heng (Played by Zhang Ling He)
Xie Zheng or famously known as Marquis Wu’an, comes from military family. His father is General Xie Lin Shan, and his mother is Wei Wan. After his parents died, Xie Zheng was raised by his uncle, Wei Yan.
People know him as a determined, cold, ruthless, and bloodthirsty general. Many despise him, but there were also many who praise him and regard him as their hero.
However, as Yan Zheng, he is known as a quiet person. He is also loyal and dependable, but weak and in need of protection. A complete opposite of Xie Zheng’s persona. In truth, he is actually a sensitive person who longs for the warmth of a family.
And that’s exactly what he finds in Fan Chang Yu’shome, among people who treat him without fear or expectation. That’s why, even when he knows he should walk away, he can’t let Fan Chang Yu go.
Fan Chang Yu (Played by Tian Xi Wei)
Fan Chang Yu is an 18-year-old butcher girl from Xigu Lane. Her talent and strength, combined with her beauty, make her unique. But aside from that, she is just like any other girl. She is sincere, sensitive, soft-hearted, filial, and quietly resilient.
Beneath her tough exterior, Fan Chang Yu is a woman who longs for warmth and love. She might not be the smartest or the most refined, but she understands life and emotions. She doesn’t have big ambitions because she already appreciates the small things around her.
Yu Qian Qian (Played by Kong Xue Er)
Yu Qian Qian is the owner of Yixiang Restaurant. She is pretty and very famous in the city. But don’t be fooled by her appearance, Yu Qian Qian is very capable when it comes to managing things, and her business instinct is strong.
That’s how she managed to grow her business to this scale in just six years. Yu Qian Qian had a son, Yu Bao’er. However, she is very strict with him and often keeps him in the secret room inside her chamber.
Qi Min / Sui Yuan Hai (Played by Deng Kai)
Qi Min is the son of the late Crown Prince Chengde. He was saved from the fire of the Eastern Palace but was left with disfigured face and weak body.
He was taken to the Lord Changxin’s residence, where he secretly began living his life as Sui Yuan Hai, the Prince’s eldest son. Qi Min is ruthless and cruel. He is driven by revenge and also obsessed with Yu Qian Qian.
Sui Yuan Qing (Played by Lin Mu Ran)
Sui Yuan Qing is the second son of Lord Changxin. He was appointed as the heir because his brother, Sui Yuan Hai, is sickly. Both brothers are known to be ruthless. But Sui Yuan Qing is younger, making him more impulsive and hot-headed when facing problems.
And although his brother was weak, in his eyes Sui Yuan Hai is the best brother in the world. He listens to all his advice, never realizing that Sui Yuan Hai got ulterior motives behind it.
Gongsun Yin (Played by Li Qing)
Gongsun Yin is the headmaster of Luyuan Academy of Hejian, a prestigious school for nobles. He also served as Xie Zheng military advisors. The two share a close friendship. In fact, the person who understand Xie Zheng the best is Gongsun Yin.
Although he looks simple, Gongsun Yin is very smart, soft hearted, and sensible. He is quite shy when it comes to the person he likes but also can be a little shameless when it comes to mischiefs. Oh, he’s also a bit of a clean freak. He can’t stand seeing things out of place and just has to fix them right away.
Qi Shu (Played by Yu Zhong Li)
Qi Shu the Princess Royal is Qi Sheng’s biological sister. She is courageous and righteous. As a noble with highest status, Qi Shu never intended to use her position for personal gain. Unlike any other princess, she is determined to help the people.
Qi Shu even hides her identity and works as a female physician, treating wounded soldiers at the military camp. For your information, Qi Shu really likes Gongsun Yin. He is the sole reason why she willing to disguised herself as a young man to enter the academy and also followed him to the military camp.
Li Huai An / Li Wen Kan (Played by Ren Hao)
Li Huai An, courtesy name Li Wen Kan, is the grandson of Grand Tutor Li Xing. He works as court official and meets Fan Chang Yu by chance. He falls in love with her instantly and admired her courage and sincerity.
Li Huai An is a soft-hearted man. He was gentle and kind. But behind the façade is a stubborn and ambitious side.
Wei Yan (Played by Yan Yi Kuan)
Wei Yan is Xie Zheng’s uncle. His sister is Wei Wan, who later married to General Xie Lin Shan. Wei Yan is the Prime Minister of Great Yin.
He is cunning and ruthless man. He stops at nothing, even disregarding familial bond, to get what he wants.
The Conclusion
Pursuit of jade reminded me of The Prisoner of Beauty drama. This one has the same energy. Pursuit of Jade’s story was initially heavy, but they made it so easy to follow. Not to mention the strong chemistry between the main leads. This drama promises you an enjoyable watch experience, so I strongly recommend it.
However, I must remind you that this one is not suitable for daily watching. Pursuit of Jade was built for a binge watching. Because when you press the play button, I doubt you will be able to stop. One episode leads to another. And before you realize it, you already sacrificed your beauty sleep and needed tons of eye cream to deal with those dark circles. And yes, you’ll probably ended up going to work with them too. 😉
Happy watching, dear readers!
