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| iQIYI 3M & Tencent Video 4M. Romantic Historical Drama ‘Pursuit of Jade’ Becomes One of 2026’s Most Anticipated Chinese Series. (Image via: Weibo) |
Anticipation for the historical romance Pursuit of Jade (逐玉) has surged after the drama surpassed 7 million combined reservations across Tencent Video and iQIYI, positioning it among the most awaited Chinese costume series of the year. The production team confirmed the milestone shortly after unveiling a celebratory poster marking 4 million reservations on Tencent alone.
The combined total, now crossing 7 million pre-release bookings, signals serious commercial momentum. Industry watchers note that such early reservation figures often translate into strong premiere-day traffic, particularly for high-budget historical romances with established stars.
At the centre of the hype are Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, whose casting alone has driven online discussion since the project was announced. With both actors enjoying steady popularity and expanding fanbases, expectations are firmly set on both performance and on-screen chemistry.
Pursuit of Jade follows Fan Changyu, the resilient daughter of a butcher, and Xie Zheng, a fallen nobleman stripped of status and forced into hiding. Their lives collide during a snowstorm, leading to a marriage of convenience built on mutual need rather than affection.
Fan Changyu shoulders family responsibilities alone after losing her parents, while Xie Zheng conceals his identity as he plots to reclaim his position. What begins as a calculated arrangement gradually transforms into genuine devotion, tested by conflict, ambition and a kingdom on the brink of war.
As turmoil intensifies, Fan Changyu steps into battle armed not with royal privilege but with grit and a butcher’s blade. Xie Zheng, meanwhile, fights to restore his title and protect both his country and the woman who has come to mean more than strategy ever could. Fate reunites them on the battlefield, where loyalty, love and buried truths collide.
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| 4M on Tencent |
For Zhang Linghe, this project marks his first portrayal of a battle-hardened nobleman with commanding presence. Known for his refined screen image, he now steps into armour, embodying a strategist shaped by loss and determination. Observers say the role could expand his acting range and strengthen his standing in the historical genre.
Opposite him, Tian Xiwei abandons her usual sweet persona for a far more physically commanding character. Fan Changyu is written as both strikingly beautiful and astonishingly strong — a woman capable of overpowering multiple opponents despite her petite frame.
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| 3M on iQIYI |
In the original novel by Tuan Zi Lai Xi, Fan Changyu’s strength is legendary within her town, while Xie Zheng stands as one of the few men able to match her in both intellect and martial skill. Their dynamic blends romantic tension with mutual respect, setting this drama apart from conventional historical pairings.
The drama is directed by Zeng Qingjie, known for Blossom, and written by Zou Yue, recognised for her work on Love Like the Galaxy.
The latter’s screenplay previously balanced romance and light comedic touches against a serious backdrop, a tone readers believe could suit Pursuit of Jade’s layered storytelling style.
The source novel is known for presenting humorous situations in a restrained, almost straight-faced narrative voice. Whether the adaptation maintains that distinctive tonal balance remains one of the biggest talking points among book fans.
One early-released visual — Fan Changyu carrying Xie Zheng on her back — quickly went viral. The contrast between Tian Xiwei’s small frame and Zhang Linghe’s towering height created immediate buzz. Zhang himself reportedly joked that being carried by someone who looks so gentle was a uniquely memorable experience.
new video material as zhuyu hit 3m reservations on iQIYI💗🥳#PursuitofJade #ZhuYu #ZhangLinghe #TianXiwei pic.twitter.com/PY1sUI2EHR
— 琳 (@leilinghe) February 28, 2026
Fans also highlighted the subtle alignment between Tian Xiwei’s real-life dedication to fitness and her character’s formidable physicality. Online communities have previously nicknamed her “the muscular sweetheart,” adding another layer of intrigue to her transformation into a battlefield heroine
Supporters argue the 7 million reservations prove that audiences are craving strong female leads in historical settings. Many praise the casting as “visually perfect” and believe the pairing offers fresh chemistry rather than recycled tropes.
Others are cautiously optimistic. Some novel readers are concerned about whether the adaptation will preserve the book’s unique narrative humour and character depth. A portion of netizens also question whether the series can balance romance and warfare without diluting either element.
Still, most agree that crossing 7 million reservations before broadcast is a strong indicator of market confidence. In the competitive historical romance space, numbers matter — and Pursuit of Jade is already delivering.
Premiere Date and Platform
Pursuit of Jade is scheduled to premiere on 6 March via WeTV and iQIYI International. With pre-release figures climbing rapidly, industry observers will be watching closely to see whether the opening day performance matches the early momentum.
Will Zhang Linghe’s general-era transformation and Tian Xiwei’s powerhouse heroine live up to the hype? Or will expectations prove too heavy for even five million reservations to carry?