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| Child Actress Cao Yanning Emerges as Scene-Stealer in Pursuit of Jade Alongside Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei. (Credits: Tencent Video) |
Chinese costume drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, continues to post strong numbers across multiple platforms, but one of the quieter talking points among viewers is the rise of a young supporting actress. Cao Yanning, who plays Fan Changning — the younger sister of Tian Xiwei’s character — has become an unexpected highlight of the series, drawing attention for a performance that balances innocence with surprising emotional depth.
Since its release, Pursuit of Jade has steadily climbed viewing charts. The series has topped Netflix rankings in Taiwan, while its popularity index has surpassed 30,000 on Tencent Video and crossed the 10,000 mark on iQIYI, placing it among the most discussed Chinese dramas currently airing.
While much of the spotlight naturally falls on its leading pair, Zhang Linghe as Xie Zheng and Tian Xiwei as Fan Changyu, the drama’s supporting characters have also started gaining recognition. Among them, Fan Changning — portrayed by child actress Cao Yanning — has become a standout presence for many viewers.
In the drama, Fan Changning is the younger sister of Fan Changyu. After their parents pass away, the responsibility of supporting the family falls entirely on Fan Changyu’s shoulders.
Fan Changyu works as a pig butcher to earn money while also caring for her frail sister, who has struggled with poor health since childhood and requires constant treatment. Despite growing up under difficult circumstances, Fan Changning is written as remarkably composed for someone so young.
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| Tencent Video |
Rather than behaving like a typical child, she often shows unusual patience and understanding. One recurring detail in the story is her habit of waiting quietly for her sister to return home each day before sharing small stories about what happened during the day.
Her maturity is also revealed in several emotional scenes.
In one moment that resonated strongly with viewers, the daughter of a local official humiliates Fan Changyu by throwing coins onto the ground and ordering her to pick them up. Instead of reacting with anger or confusion, Fan Changning simply kneels beside her sister and helps gather the coins, quietly protecting her sister’s dignity.
Another tense moment occurs when criminals attack their home. As Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu prepare to confront the attackers, Fan Changning obediently turns around and counts to ten so she will not see the fight.
The small action adds emotional weight to the scene and highlights the child’s trust in the adults protecting her.
Despite the heavier moments in her storyline, Fan Changning also provides some of the drama’s most lighthearted scenes.
Her innocent remarks frequently become unexpected catalysts for the developing relationship between Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng. At one point, while Fan Changyu is still hesitant about discussing marriage, the young girl casually says she hopes the “handsome brother” will stay with them.
The comment pushes the conversation forward in a way only a child’s honesty can.
Her curiosity about adult relationships also leads to several memorable moments. In one scene, while lying beside her sister, she casually asks when Fan Changyu will start sleeping next to her “brother-in-law,” leaving the adults visibly embarrassed.
Fan Changning’s playful personality also appears in quieter moments. She often acts cute around both her sister and Xie Zheng, and proudly tells others that her sister can butcher pigs to support the family — a line that many viewers say perfectly captures the character’s innocent pride.
Omg Ning, why are you so cuteeee!!!! 😭 My adorable lil baby 🥹🥺🫶🏻🤭#CaoYanNing #PursuitOfJade pic.twitter.com/jMjdIISFm8
— jacky • gtg + poj 💛🩵 (@chiufensi) March 13, 2026
Much of the character’s popularity comes down to Cao Yanning’s natural performance. Her expressions and reactions feel spontaneous rather than rehearsed, which has helped the character feel believable on screen.
Many viewers have noted that she avoids the exaggerated acting style sometimes associated with child roles in historical dramas. Instead, her performance leans toward subtle reactions, quiet emotional beats, and carefully timed humour.
The result is a character who feels both endearing and emotionally grounded.
Although she has only recently entered the industry, Cao Yanning has already appeared in several notable Chinese dramas.
She began acting in 2024 and quickly gained opportunities in high-profile productions. In Blossoms in Adversity (惜花芷), she played the younger version of Shaoyao — a role later portrayed by Lu Yuxiao as an adult.
She also appeared in The Double (墨雨云间) as the younger Jiang Ruoyao, whose adult version is played by Liu Xiening.
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Beyond those roles, Cao Yanning has made appearances in other productions including The Glory (雁回时) and Love on the Turquoise Land (枭起青壤), gradually building a small but growing résumé.
Online reactions to Cao Yanning’s performance have been largely positive, with many viewers saying the young actress brings warmth to the drama.
Some fans describe Fan Changning as one of the most “heartwarming characters” in Pursuit of Jade, praising how the role adds emotional balance to a story filled with hardship and political intrigue.
Others say Cao Yanning’s scenes often leave the strongest impression despite her limited screen time.
Several viewers on drama forums noted that her quiet gestures — such as helping pick up the scattered coins or calmly counting during the attack scene — delivered some of the most memorable emotional moments in the series.
There are also discussions among fans about how child characters are often written purely for comic relief, whereas Fan Changning feels more layered. Many say Cao Yanning’s performance helps make the character believable rather than simply cute.
For many viewers, Pursuit of Jade marks the moment Cao Yanning moves from a small supporting child actor to a recognisable young talent within the Chinese drama industry.
Her portrayal of Fan Changning — intelligent, loyal and quietly brave — has given the series an emotional core that resonates beyond the main romance storyline. Cao Yanning’s performance has also introduced her to a much wider audience of Chinese drama fans.
Many viewers are already curious about what roles the young actress might take on next. What do you think of Cao Yanning’s performance in Pursuit of Jade?