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| The Road To Glory Leak Sparks Buzz as Zhang Linghe’s Action Scene Sets New Standard (Photo: Weibo) |
Zhang Linghe is already trending thanks to a horseback confrontation scene from the upcoming Chinese costume drama The Road To Glory (归鸾), and the show has not even announced its official broadcast date yet.
Clips from the circulating lùtòu of The Road To Glory have taken over social media feeds, with viewers dissecting every frame. The drama casts Zhang Linghe as Xiao Li, the ruler of Northern Wei, a man who rises from a humble background to the peak of power. From the brief footage alone, audiences are already getting a taste of the scale, tension and ambition the production is aiming for.
The most talked-about moment features Xiao Li confronting Wen Yu, played by Jelly Lin Yun, the princess of a fallen kingdom. With a sword lifted beneath her chin and a cold, unwavering gaze, Zhang Linghe delivers a short yet charged line that instantly amplifies the dramatic stakes.
The framing, lighting and snowy backdrop work together to heighten the intensity, making the scene feel far grander than a standard television setup.
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Another sequence that has viewers replaying the clip shows Xiao Li pulling Wen Yu onto his horse with one hand while keeping full control of the reins.
Although the production reportedly used wires for safety, the final result appears seamless and convincing on screen. Many netizens commented that the coordination, posture and control looked polished rather than exaggerated.
Visually, the styling has become a hot topic as well. Zhang Linghe’s white hair contrasts sharply with dark armour, while a flowing red cloak cuts across the icy landscape.
Online comments have described the composition as “cinematic”, with several users saying it resembles a theatrical film rather than a regular TV drama.
The snow-filled setting, dynamic camera movement and carefully designed costumes all contribute to what viewers are calling a “big screen standard”.
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Behind the scenes, Zhang Linghe’s preparation is adding another layer to the buzz. The actor reportedly underwent intensive horse-riding and martial arts training for half a month, while also strengthening his physical condition to portray a commanding and ambitious leader.
He is said to have reduced the use of stunt doubles wherever possible, which fans believe adds authenticity to the action scenes.
Fan and netizen reactions, however, are not entirely one-sided. Many are praising the production value, calling it one of the most promising costume dramas in recent memory.
They argue that the tension between Xiao Li and Wen Yu already feels layered, hinting at political complexity and emotional conflict. Others are cautiously optimistic, noting that strong visuals must be matched by a solid script and consistent pacing once the full drama airs.
A smaller group has debated whether the viral hype might set expectations too high before the official trailer even drops.
The hashtag #TheRoadToGlory has trended multiple times, even without formal promotion. That early traction highlights a wider shift in the Chinese costume drama market. Viewers are no longer drawn in solely by star power or aesthetic visuals.
Action design, atmosphere, production detail and the visible commitment of actors now play a decisive role in building anticipation.
No confirmed release date yet, the pre-release buzz surrounding The Road To Glory is already intense. If the full series can sustain the cinematic quality seen in these viral clips, it may well become one of the standout costume dramas of its year.
What do you think — is this truly a new benchmark for historical dramas, or are expectations rising a bit too fast?