Tan Jianci to replace Yang Yang as male lead in new drama with Lu Yuxiao

Tan Jianci steps in to replace Yang Yang as the male lead in upcoming costume drama with Lu Yuxiao, sparking buzz around their fresh on-screen pairing
Tan Jianci Steps In for Yang Yang to Star Opposite Lu Yuxiao in Upcoming Costume Series
Lu Yuxiao & Tan Jianci Rumoured to Lead New Costume Drama Together — What We Know So Far

Chinese drama streets are buzzing again, and this time it’s all about the rumoured pairing of Lu Yuxiao and Tan Jianci in the upcoming costume series He Bu Tong Zhou Du (何不同舟渡), tentatively known in English as Why Not Cross the River Together. Fresh casting whispers, novel adaptation hype, and a December filming schedule? Yep — drama fans are locked in already.

Adapted from the novel by Xian Yu Ke, the drama is set in the chaotic backdrop of the Southern Song Dynasty. The story follows Xie Queshan — a strategist and spy hiding behind a dual identity — and Nan Yi, a sharp, street-smart thief who’s just trying to get by in a world that keeps shifting under her feet.

They start off on opposite sides, with a classic “enemy energy” vibe, but as the plot thickens, the pair slowly learn to rely on each other. 

Expect tension, trust-building, and a layered relationship that leans more towards slow-burn complexity rather than instant romance. 

If done well, this could become one of those character-driven costume hits.

Tan Jianci Confirmed as New Lead After Yang Yang Declines Role in Lu Yuxiao’s Next Drama
He Bu Tong Zhou Du Web Novel

Casting Rumours: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

The latest industry chatter hints that Lu Yuxiao is set to take on the female lead role. 

She’s been on a roll lately, especially after gaining wider recognition through Love in the Clouds (入青雲) with Hou Minghao — a performance that boosted her popularity in the costume drama scene.

Opposite her, Tan Jianci is rumoured to be stepping in as the male lead. 

He previously impressed viewers in Filter (滤镜) and has been steadily building a strong acting portfolio, particularly in emotionally driven roles that need more nuance.

Interestingly, actor Yang Yang — who was once believed to be in the running — reportedly stepped back due to an old injury and the script’s physically demanding action scenes. 

Another early rumour linked actress Lareina Song Zuer to the project, but current updates suggest the production has shifted direction, with Lu Yuxiao and Tan Jianci now considered the likely confirmed leads.

The potential chemistry between Lu Yuxiao and Tan Jianci is already a hot topic. 

Both actors have solid track records in emotional storytelling, and the push-and-pull dynamic between their characters could end up being one of the drama’s biggest draws. 

With filming expected to kick off in December, many are hoping for a fresh, visually rich, and character-strong costume series to add to their 2025 watchlist.

If the rumours hold true, Why Not Cross the River Together might just become one of the most anticipated costume dramas rolling into next year.

Source: Weibo

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