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| Zhang Linghe & Zhang Jingyi’s Chemistry May Turn Into Historical Drama Collaboration in Ci Tang. (Photo: Upmedia) |
Zhang Linghe and Zhang Jingyi are reportedly circling the same project — and if the whispers are accurate, this could be one of the most talked-about costume dramas in early production. Industry chatter suggests the two stars may headline the upcoming historical revenge series Ci Tang (Revenge), instantly sending fan communities into overdrive.
For years, the pair have shared striking on-screen synergy through high-profile Lancôme campaigns. Now, what began as polished brand storytelling could evolve into a full-scale drama collaboration — and audiences are watching closely.
Zhang Linghe’s rise has been steady and strategic. After the success of Story of Kunning Palace, My Journey to You, and The Best Thing, he has cemented himself as one of the most reliable young male leads in large-scale productions.
Each role has sharpened his screen presence, from refined scholar types to layered anti-heroes.
Meanwhile, Zhang Jingyi gained renewed mainstream momentum through Legend of Zang Hai, proving she can carry complex emotional arcs while maintaining strong commercial appeal. She balances elegance with intensity — a combination that fits historical dramas remarkably well.
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Their shared history with Lancôme only added fuel to the rumour mill. For three consecutive years, they have filmed dual promotional campaigns for the French luxury beauty house.
Most recently, the Valentine’s short film themed “First You, Then Us” featured Linghe as a sleek urban professional and Jingyi as a literary creative. Their brief airplane encounter and eventual reunion scene had netizens joking that “Lancôme is the real CP manager.”
Now comes Ci Tang.
The series is reportedly directed by Yi Jun, who previously worked with Zhang Linghe on the Republican-era drama Overdo.
According to circulating production notes, the drama is adapted from Wu Yuan’s novel of the same name and centres on a layered political revenge narrative.
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The story follows Crown Prince Song Ling, who survives an assassination attempt by faking his death and re-emerges under a new identity as the calculating power minister Ye Tingyan.
His childhood fiancée Su Luowei, forced into marriage with the prince’s brother — the very man suspected behind the plot — begins her own investigation. When Song Ling and Su Luowei realise their goals align, they embark on a tense, strategic path of mutual revenge.
The character arcs are said to be particularly dramatic. In the early phase, Song Ling is portrayed as poised and righteous. As the revenge deepens, he evolves into a colder, more tactical figure.
Su Luowei’s journey is equally striking — transforming from an innocent noblewoman into a politically sharp empress who understands power and consequence.
Zhang Linghe is rumoured to be close to confirming his participation. In past interviews about choosing scripts, he has shared, “I’m drawn to roles that allow growth across stages. I don’t want to repeat the same character type.”
When asked about historical roles specifically, he once noted, “Costume dramas require emotional restraint. The eyes have to speak before the lines do.”
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Those remarks now feel particularly relevant to Ci Tang’s layered male lead.
Zhang Jingyi, however, is reportedly still in negotiations, with no formal contract signed yet. Neither side has issued an official statement.
Many viewers are thrilled at the possibility. Supporters argue that their long-standing visual compatibility makes the pairing feel natural. Comments trending across social media include:
• “The chemistry has been there for years — just give them a script already.”
• “If this is a political revenge drama, they’re perfect casting.”
• “Lancôme walked so Ci Tang could run.”
Some netizens are more measured. They point out that brand chemistry does not always guarantee drama synergy.
• “Commercial films are short; a 40-episode drama is different.”
• “Wait for the official announcement before celebrating.”
Behind the excitement, there is a layer of sensitivity. Previously, some of Zhang Linghe’s supporters expressed dissatisfaction over perceived differences in ambassador positioning between the two stars within Lancôme’s branding structure.
Debates emerged over title distinctions and posting order in official materials. While the situation eventually cooled, it demonstrated how quickly online discourse can escalate.
If Ci Tang becomes official, industry insiders suggest clear communication around billing order, promotional strategy, and marketing focus will be essential to maintain harmony.
At this stage, everything remains speculation. Zhang Linghe appears close to locking in, while Zhang Jingyi’s participation is still under discussion. Until production confirms the cast, fans remain in a holding pattern — hopeful, cautious, and very vocal.
Would Ci Tang be the revenge epic that finally turns their campaign chemistry into full dramatic impact? Or will this remain another “almost happened” pairing in casting history? Are you ready to see Zhang Linghe and Zhang Jingyi headline a palace power struggle together, or would you prefer different casting choices?