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| Zhang Linghe and Lin Yun New Chinese Drama The Road to Glory (Photo: Tencent Video) |
The Road to Glory (归鸾) is already shaping up to be one of those Chinese dramas everyone will be talking about long before it actually airs. Even though filming has only just begun, this upcoming Tencent period romance has managed to pull serious attention thanks to its high-profile casting, dramatic premise, and early behind-the-scenes buzz that’s been circulating across Chinese social media.
Set to premiere on WeTV and Tencent Video, The Road to Glory is a romantic historical drama adapted from the popular web novel Gui Luan (归鸾) by Tuan Zi Lai Xi. With production officially underway, anticipation is building fast, especially among fans who are already mapping out their 2026 watchlists.
While an exact air date hasn’t been confirmed, The Road to Glory is expected to land sometime between late 2026 and early 2027.
The drama will stream on Tencent Video in China, with WeTV handling international distribution. As with most Tencent historical dramas, English subtitles are expected to be available for global viewers shortly after release.
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International fans will be able to watch The Road to Glory legally via WeTV once it premieres. The platform typically offers:
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Official English subtitles
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Full HD streaming options
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Weekly episode updates during broadcast
Viewers can expect a standard release format, with episodes dropping gradually rather than all at once. Episode guides, reviews, and full recaps will be available on Tonboriday.com once the drama begins airing.
At its core, The Road to Glory is a slow-burn romance wrapped in political intrigue and power struggles. The story follows Xiao Li, a man who rises from life on the streets to become the Prince of Wei in the Northern Realm. His journey is shaped by warfare, ambition, and survival, giving the character a rugged, battle-hardened edge.
Opposite him is Wen Yu, a fallen princess from a destroyed kingdom. She isn’t driven by love at first glance, but by ambition. Her defining line, “I want soldiers. I want power,” sets the tone for a heroine who is sharp, strategic, and emotionally guarded.
Their relationship starts off tense and hostile, evolving into a complex bond filled with mistrust, attraction, and emotional conflict. Early descriptions tease betrayal, shifting alliances, and a romance that may turn dark before it turns tender.
Yes, there are even hints of the male lead temporarily turning the heroine into his “prisoner”, which has already sparked heated debate online.
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The drama stars Zhang Linghe and Lin Yun as the main leads, marking a fresh pairing in the costume drama space. Zhang Linghe returns to Hengdian after trending earlier this year, and this project follows closely behind another upcoming costume drama expected to air in early 2026.
Lin Yun takes on a more ambitious and morally grey role than many of her previous characters, which has fans curious to see a different side of her acting range.
Behind the scenes, the drama is directed by Chu De Jian, known for Hard to Find. The script is led by head writer Zou Yue, who previously handled the political intrigue elements in Love Like the Galaxy.
Supporting roles include Huang Yi as the burdened crown princess Jiang Yichu, Zhang Xiaochen as Xiao Li’s sworn elder brother, alongside Gu Zicheng, Zuo Xiaoqing, and others.
A bee kissed #ZhangLinghe on the set of #TheRoadtoGlory pic.twitter.com/mAiLA1x9GU
— ForCdrama (@ForCdrama) January 11, 2026
Concept posters and early set photos suggest a gritty, grounded aesthetic rather than glossy romance visuals. Zhang Linghe’s character styling leans into a battle-worn, hardened look, while Lin Yun’s character carries a restrained elegance that reflects her fallen royal status.
Combined with reports of strong on-set chemistry, expectations for the drama’s emotional tension are high.
Reactions online have been mixed but lively. Many fans are excited about Zhang Linghe securing another top-billed historical role and are optimistic about the political-romance blend.
Others are more cautious about the casting combination, with some netizens openly saying they’re watching primarily for the storyline and directing rather than the pairing itself.
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That said, behind-the-scenes clips showing natural chemistry between the leads have softened some initial doubts. The consensus for now seems to be: expectations are high, but the final verdict will depend on script execution and emotional payoff.
The Road to Glory promises romance, ambition, humour sprinkled between heavy moments, and a relationship that grows through conflict rather than sweetness alone. If the writing delivers and the pacing holds steady, this could easily become one of Tencent’s standout historical romances of its release year.
Episode guides, full recaps, reviews, and deeper analysis will be covered on Tonboriday.com once the drama airs.
Are you excited about this pairing, or still on the fence? Do you think this story will stick the landing, or are you watching purely out of curiosity?