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| Pursuit of Jade: Are Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng Real Historical Figures? (Credits: Sohu) |
Ongoing Chinese costume drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), led by Tian Xiwei and Zhang Linghe, has quickly sparked curiosity among viewers who are trying to trace whether its central figures come from real history. With its blend of market life, political intrigue and a slow-burn marriage story, the drama feels grounded enough that many fans have begun asking the same question: are the characters based on genuine historical figures, or is the entire narrative fictional?
The short answer is straightforward. Pursuit of Jade is not based on a true story. The drama is set in the Dayin Dynasty, a fictional kingdom created for the original novel and its screen adaptation. As a result, the two central figures — Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng — are also fictional characters written purely for storytelling purposes.
Fan Changyu, played by Tian Xiwei, is introduced as the daughter of a butcher who runs the Fan Ji meat shop in Xigu Alley.
After losing both of her parents, she becomes the head of the household, raising her younger sister while keeping the family business alive.
Life in the marketplace shapes her into a determined and practical woman, someone who knows how to survive in a harsh environment.
The character is famously described in the story as strong enough to carry a pig with one hand while wielding a butcher’s knife with remarkable precision.
On the other side of the story stands Xie Zheng, portrayed by Zhang Linghe, a nobleman holding the title of Marquis of Wu’an in the fictional Dayin court.
At one stage he hides his aristocratic identity and lives among common people under the alias Yan Zheng, presenting himself as a frail and unwell scholar. Beneath that calm appearance, however, lies a calculating strategist and capable military leader whose decisions influence the direction of the narrative.
The coincidence of names has added another layer to the online discussion. Historically, there was indeed a figure called Xie Zheng in Chinese records. He lived during the Southern Liang Dynasty between roughly 500 and 536 and was known by the courtesy name Xuandu.
This historical Xie Zheng served as an official and literary figure from Chenjun Yangxia and held positions such as Zhongshu Sheren and Zhongshu Shilang before later becoming governor of Nanlanling.
He was respected for his literary ability and once impressed Emperor Wu of Liang by composing poetry under strict time pressure.
Despite the shared name, historians and drama followers alike note that the historical official has no narrative connection to the character appearing in Pursuit of Jade.
Within the drama’s storyline, Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng initially come together through a marriage that begins without affection. Their relationship evolves slowly as they face hardship, political tensions and shifting loyalties.
The narrative becomes more complex when Fan Changyu’s true background begins to surface. In the novel version of the story, the revelation of her family history places the two characters on opposing sides of a conflict that tests both loyalty and love.
Fan Changyu’s personal arc also moves far beyond her beginnings in the marketplace.
The butcher’s knife that once symbolised survival gradually becomes a metaphor for resistance and courage as she steps into a much larger world shaped by conflict and power struggles.
Her transformation from shopkeeper’s daughter to battlefield participant is one of the central threads that drives the drama’s appeal.
Online reactions to the question of historical accuracy have been mixed but lively. Some viewers initially assumed the drama might draw inspiration from real dynastic history because of its political setting and military elements. Others quickly pointed out that the fictional Dayin Dynasty makes it clear the series belongs firmly in the realm of historical fantasy rather than historical drama.
Across fan forums and social media discussions, many viewers say the fictional setting actually gives the writers more freedom to build stronger character arcs without being tied to historical records.
For audiences, the lack of a true historical basis has not dampened interest. Instead, the story’s emotional focus — particularly the dynamic between Tian Xiwei’s resilient Fan Changyu and Zhang Linghe’s enigmatic Xie Zheng — remains the central reason viewers keep tuning in.
Still, the debate over whether the drama might hide traces of real history continues to circulate among fans. What do you think — does Pursuit of Jade feel convincing enough to pass as historical drama, or does its fictional world make the story even more compelling?