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| Chen Zheyuan and Wu Jinyan Wrap Filming as Yu Zheng’s “Top Billing” Talk Resurfaces (Photo: Weibo) |
Chen Zheyuan seems determined to keep the focus on his work, not the noise swirling around it. During the wrap celebration for the historical drama Jiangshan Wei Pin (江山为聘), the actor reassured fans that there was “absolutely nothing to worry about” regarding the chatter online.
With a casual “don’t dwell on unimportant things”, he indirectly addressed the weeks of speculation about alleged tension behind the scenes. The project, led by producer-writer Yu Zheng, has been the centre of discussion ever since talk of a billing dispute surfaced.
Yu Zheng, who manages Wu Jinyan under his agency and is well known for placing her at the forefront of his productions, was previously heard talking rather bluntly about cast order during pre-production. In most of his dramas, Wu Jinyan is positioned as the top-billed star—an industry signal that she is the primary face of the project.
Where the Rumours Started
#ChenZheYuan reuters filming drama 江山为聘 / Jiang Shan Wei Pin.
— fkshi (@FKShi) November 21, 2025
20/11/25 pic.twitter.com/KanjPzDAgM
Chen Zheyuan stars opposite Wu Jin Yan in Jiangshan Wei Pin, but it wasn’t their pairing that caused the noise—it was a livestream.
Before the cast was even officially confirmed, Yu Zheng openly discussed billing hierarchy, hinting that a male actor was unwilling to be placed second to Wu Jinyan.
He went as far as saying, “If Wu Jinyan doesn’t keep the top position, we can’t start shooting,” and that he had “no intention of giving first billing to that kid.” Names weren’t mentioned, but online fans quickly connected the dots, assuming he was referring to Chen Zhe Yuan.
The comments sparked instant debate. Chen Zheyuan’s fans protested, saying the remarks were unfair, while others questioned whether his team had made certain requests during negotiations.
Yu Zheng later tried to ease the situation by stating that his annoyance was aimed at fan disputes, not the actor himself, adding that the issue revolved around an additional agreement investors wanted signed.
Still, since Chen Zheyuan’s team stayed silent, opinions remained split.
ICYMI: C-Drama Top Billing Controversy Explained.
Filming Moved Forward Smoothly
#WuJinYan reuters filming drama 江山为聘 / Jiang Shan Wei Pin.
— fkshi (@FKShi) November 7, 2025
07/11/25 pic.twitter.com/iOWmIUtwwq
Despite all the early noise, the production eventually finalised its cast and got rolling without further public drama.
Chen Zheyuan’s calm attitude at the wrap celebration suggested he chose to let the work speak for itself.
He noted that filming had gone smoothly and repeated his wish that viewers judge the drama based on its finished product rather than the whispers online.
What Jiangshan Wei Pin Is About
Jiangshan Wei Pin centres on Meng Ting Hui, a groundbreaking figure who becomes the first woman in the Tang Dynasty to earn the Jinshi qualification, the highest academic honour in the imperial examination system.
The title opened doors to the Hanlin Academy, an elite institution where the empire’s brightest scholars served as advisers to the emperor.
But Meng Ting Hui’s past is far from polished. A decade earlier, she was discovered disoriented among a pile of bodies—her origins unclear. Ten years later, she rises through the ranks with fierce intelligence, matching wits with seasoned officials at the heart of the imperial court.
Shadowing her journey is a young emperor who once saved her life. For years, he has harboured a quiet, unwavering affection she remains unaware of.
Their relationship unfolds against a backdrop of political manoeuvring, sacrifice, and destiny—a blend of ambition and slow-burn emotional tension that historical drama fans will likely enjoy.
With filming now complete, Jiangshan Wei Pin moves into post-production. And if Chen Zheyuan has his way, the audience will be talking about the story and performances—not the billing chatter that came before it.
Source: Weibo/Xiaohongshu