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| Why Yu Zhongli Is the Breakout Star of 'Pursuit of Jade', but Also Dividing Fans. (Credits: Tencent Video) |
Pursuit of Jade (逐玉) has quickly established itself as one of the most talked-about Chinese dramas of the year, led by Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, but much of the current conversation is shifting towards its supporting cast. Among them, Yu Zhongli has drawn particular attention for her portrayal of Grand Princess Qi Shu, a role that blends composure, vulnerability and quiet defiance.
Her performance has been widely praised for adding emotional weight to the series. Qi Shu’s storyline, especially her connection with strategist Gongsun Yin, played by Li Qing, offers a slower, more restrained romance compared to the drama’s central pairings.
That contrast has resonated with viewers looking for layered character development rather than conventional romantic pacing.
The character itself stands out. Qi Shu is written as someone who is fully aware of her social position yet willing to step outside it in pursuit of something personal.
Her decision to disguise herself as a military doctor to remain close to Gongsun Yin reflects a narrative built on persistence rather than grand gestures.
Scenes such as her accidental use of royal self-reference — which turns into an unintentionally comic exchange — have further humanised the character and widened her appeal.
For Yu Zhongli, the role marks a notable step forward. After gaining initial recognition in Story of Kunning Palace (宁安如梦), where she shared the screen with Bai Lu, she has steadily built a reputation for strong supporting performances.
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A graduate of Shanghai Theatre Academy and part of the same agency as Tian Xiwei, her career has developed more gradually, making the current attention feel like a turning point rather than a sudden breakthrough.
However, that attention has not come without friction. Alongside praise, debate has grown over the amount of screen time allocated to Qi Shu and Gongsun Yin’s storyline.
Online discussions suggest their narrative presence is more prominent than expected for supporting roles, with estimates placing their script share close to or even exceeding other key secondary characters.
This has led to mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the expanded focus is justified, pointing to the emotional depth and narrative balance their storyline brings to the drama.
Critics, however, believe the distribution of screen time has disrupted expectations, particularly for fans of other characters such as Yu Qianqian, played by Kong Xueer, and Prince Qi Min, portrayed by Deng Kai. Some feel that pivotal moments have shifted away from these arcs in favour of Qi Shu’s development.
The discussion reflects a broader pattern in ensemble dramas, where audience attachment to specific characters often shapes perceptions of narrative fairness.
In Pursuit of Jade, the presence of three central romantic arcs has intensified that dynamic, with viewers naturally comparing how each storyline is handled.
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| iQIYI |
Despite the debate, one point remains consistent: Yu Zhongli’s performance has left an impression. Whether viewed as a highlight or a source of imbalance, her role has become central to how the drama is being discussed, extending its visibility beyond the main cast.
As the series moves into its later episodes, attention is likely to remain fixed on how these storylines resolve — particularly whether Qi Shu and Gongsun Yin’s arc delivers on the emotional investment it has built so far.
For now, the conversation continues to split audiences in different directions. Is Yu Zhongli’s rising prominence a sign of strong storytelling, or has the balance between characters shifted too far?