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| Pursuit of Jade Takes Off as Fans Applaud “Perfect Casting” in Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei’s New Costume Hit. (Credits: Tencent Video) |
Chinese costume drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, has quickly become one of the most talked-about series of 2026, climbing ratings charts and stirring lively discussion across Asian streaming platforms. Within days of its broadcast, the drama secured the No. 1 viewership spot on Netflix Taiwan, while its popularity index on Tencent Video surged past 29,000 — the highest score recorded on the platform this year. On iQIYI, the series also crossed the significant 9,500 mark, confirming its early status as a breakout hit.
The show’s momentum began even before its first episode aired. Zhang Linghe’s role as the fallen nobleman Xie Zheng had already drawn intense curiosity online, with character popularity figures crossing the hundred-million mark on Chinese platforms.
Combined with a strong ensemble cast and fast-paced storytelling, the drama opened to robust viewing figures and continues to build momentum as it moves through its early episodes.
Now reaching Episode 9, Pursuit of Jade has maintained a brisk narrative rhythm packed with intrigue, shifting loyalties and emotional turning points. Viewers have widely credited the drama’s carefully chosen cast for helping the story land with impact.
Much of the spotlight has naturally fallen on Zhang Linghe, whose portrayal of Xie Zheng — a disgraced noble navigating political danger and personal loss — has been widely praised as the strongest performance of his career so far.
Online discussions frequently highlight the drama’s distinctive visual style, with director Zeng Qingjie leaning heavily on dramatic lighting, shadow and tight close-up shots to emphasise the character’s fragile yet determined presence.
The result, fans say, is a striking aesthetic that amplifies Xie Zheng’s battle-scarred elegance. Even in scenes where the character lies wounded or exhausted, viewers say Zhang carries an almost ethereal screen presence that perfectly suits the visual language of historical dramas.
For many observers, the performance also marks a notable shift in public perception. Earlier period drama roles once drew mixed reactions from audiences, but Pursuit of Jade appears to have reshaped that narrative, with many fans now calling Xie Zheng the role that truly unlocks Zhang Linghe’s potential in the costume genre.
While the central romance anchors the series, the supporting cast has also sparked strong discussion online.
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Veteran actor Kenny Yan (Yan Yikuan) delivers one of the drama’s most commanding presences as the calculating Chancellor Wei Xiang, who also happens to be Xie Zheng’s formidable political uncle.
Appearing in a striking purple official robe during his entrance scene, Yan immediately establishes a character defined by authority and restraint — a seasoned political figure who balances scholarly composure with unmistakable power.
Despite the character’s antagonistic role in the story, many viewers have expressed admiration for the performance, noting the actor’s ability to portray both intimidation and elegance simultaneously.
Netizens have also praised Yan as a “chameleon actor”, with some surprised to realise he previously played the unstable and eccentric temp worker Xiao Zizai in another well-known drama role.
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Another character drawing significant attention is Ren Hao, who portrays the noble young gentleman Li Huaian. With a calm demeanour and quietly steadfast loyalty, Li Huaian has emerged as one of the drama’s emotional anchors.
Within the story, Li Huaian silently protects Tian Xiwei’s heroine, remaining supportive even as his feelings remain unreturned. The character’s gentle patience has struck a chord with viewers, who have jokingly nicknamed him the “love bodyguard” for his constant willingness to stand behind the heroine whenever trouble appears.
Ren Hao’s performance, paired with his refined screen presence, has helped the character gain considerable popularity online, further strengthening the drama’s ensemble appeal.
Netizens Say the Casting Feels “Perfect”
Across social media discussions, a common theme continues to surface: praise for the drama’s casting decisions.
Many viewers have described the line-up of Zhang Linghe, Tian Xiwei, Kenny Yan, and Ren Hao as a rare example of casting that feels precisely matched to each role. From the leads’ visual chemistry to the layered performances of the supporting cast, audiences say the production has achieved what some fans call “divine casting”.
The effect has been visible not only in discussion threads but also in the drama’s rapidly rising popularity metrics. As each new episode lands, fan commentary, character edits and scene analyses continue to circulate widely across online platforms.
Whether Pursuit of Jade can maintain this pace throughout its run remains to be seen, but for now the drama has firmly established itself as one of the standout costume series of the year.
And as the plot continues to unfold, viewers are already debating one question: will Xie Zheng’s turbulent journey end in redemption — or in heartbreak? Fans following the drama week by week clearly have plenty to say, so what’s your take on Pursuit of Jade so far?