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| From “Chasing Jade” to Pursuit of Jade: The Story Behind the Title of the New Historical Drama. (Credits: Weibo) |
Since its premiere, the historical drama Pursuit of Jade has quickly become one of the most talked-about period series online. Led by Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, the Tencent Video production is adapted from the popular novel 逐玉 (Zhú Yù) by writer Tuanzi Laixi, a story known for blending personal ambition, social mobility, and a slow-burn relationship shaped by hardship.
While the drama’s narrative has drawn steady attention, the title itself has sparked a separate discussion among viewers. Written in Mandarin as 逐玉 (Zhú Yù), the phrase literally translates to “pursuing jade.” Earlier translation drafts circulated under the name “Chasing Jade” before the official international title Pursuit of Jade was confirmed.
In Chinese, each character carries symbolic weight. The word “逐” (zhú) means to chase or pursue, suggesting determination and movement. “玉” (yù), meanwhile, refers to jade — a material that has held deep cultural meaning for centuries. In traditional Chinese thought, jade represents purity, moral integrity, honour, and inner worth.
Because of that cultural symbolism, many readers and viewers believe the title functions as more than a romantic metaphor.
Jade as a Symbol of Character and Worth
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Within the world of the story, “jade” is widely interpreted as a metaphor for a person of rare inner value rather than an object or simple romantic ideal.
The narrative centres on Fan Changyu, played by Tian Xiwei, a woman born into a butcher’s family. Despite her modest background, the character is portrayed as resilient, practical, and morally grounded. Her courage and refusal to compromise her principles place her far outside the typical expectations of her social position.
For many readers of the original novel, these qualities make Fan Changyu the symbolic “jade” referenced in the title — someone whose worth lies not in status but in character.
Opposite her stands Xie Zheng, played by Zhang Linghe, a man shaped by past grievances and a long-held desire for retribution. His journey begins in bitterness but gradually shifts as he encounters Fan Changyu and others who challenge his worldview.
Their relationship, therefore, is not framed simply as a romance. Instead, it becomes a gradual process in which both characters redefine their sense of purpose and identity.
More Than a Love Story
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For viewers familiar with the novel, the phrase Pursuit of Jade carries a layered meaning. It can be read as the search for someone precious, but also as the pursuit of values that endure beyond power or status.
As the story unfolds, both Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng are forced into situations that test their beliefs. Fan Changyu must navigate a world far larger and more politically complex than the life she once knew, while Xie Zheng slowly rebuilds his understanding of loyalty, justice, and belonging.
In that sense, the “pursuit” described in the title reflects personal transformation as much as emotional connection.
From “The Marchioness and the Butcher’s Knife” to Pursuit of Jade
The symbolism of the current title becomes even clearer when compared with the novel’s earlier name.
Originally, the story circulated under the striking title 侯夫人与杀猪刀 — translated as The Marchioness and the Butcher’s Knife. The phrase emphasised the dramatic contrast between the heroine’s humble origins and the social position she eventually approaches.
That earlier title highlighted conflict and social disparity. The newer title, 逐玉, shifts the focus toward something more reflective: the journey toward recognising true worth, both in oneself and in others.
For many readers, the change signals a thematic evolution. Rather than focusing solely on status or revenge, the story centres on dignity, identity, and the relationships that reshape a person’s path.
Online discussion around the title has been lively since the drama’s debut. Some viewers say the phrase perfectly captures the story’s emotional arc, arguing that Fan Changyu represents the “jade” Xie Zheng learns to recognise.
Others interpret the symbolism more broadly, suggesting the jade represents ideals such as integrity and resilience rather than a specific character.
A number of long-time readers of the novel have also praised the official English title, noting that Pursuit of Jade better reflects the deeper themes of the story compared with earlier translation attempts like “Chasing Jade,” which some felt sounded overly literal.
Meanwhile, newer viewers discovering the drama for the first time have admitted that the poetic title initially left them puzzled — a confusion that has only fuelled further discussion across fan communities.
What do you think the “jade” in Pursuit of Jade represents? A person, a set of ideals, or something else entirely?