LayarHijau – Yang Yang has once again risen to the top of the Chinese drama scene following the massive success of the xianxia series The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传), in which he starred opposite Jin Chen. The drama not only reaffirmed his status as a leading actor but also brought renewed attention to every project associated with his name. Recently, Yang Yang has been rumored to headline a new costume drama titled Bu Rang Jiangshan (不让江山), which has already generated significant buzz online despite still being in the early stages of preparation.
Much of the discussion surrounding the drama has centered on the casting of its female lead. Earlier reports suggested that Zhang Yaqin, known for her appearance in Flourished Peony (国色芳华), had replaced Zhou Jieqiong of Fight for Love (山河枕). However, after a rumored cast list circulated on Chinese social media, observant netizens noticed that Zhou Jieqiong’s name remained part of the lineup. Follow-up reports claimed that investors ultimately favored Zhou Jieqiong’s bright and eye-catching image, believing it better suited the drama’s female protagonist, leading to the decision remaining unchanged.
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Alongside Yang Yang and Zhou Jieqiong, Bu Rang Jiangshan is also rumored to feature a strong ensemble cast. Among the names mentioned are Dai Xu, whose popularity has surged thanks to his breakout role in Love Between Lines (軋戲), Chinese film award winner Chun Xia, Du Chun from Guardians of the Dafeng (大奉打更人), Zhai Zilu of Northward (北上), Huang Yi from Moonlit Reunion (子夜归), and Ji Xiaobing from Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty: Chang’an (唐朝诡事录之长安). The combination of established actors and rising stars has further fueled anticipation for the project.
Dai Xu, in particular, has become a major talking point. His performance in Love Between Lines as a cold yet devoted CEO who silently protects the heroine portrayed by Lu Yuxiao earned him widespread recognition and rapidly expanded his fan base. Riding the wave of that success, he is now rumored to take on a very different role in Bu Rang Jiangshan, potentially portraying a highly skilled wandering swordsman. The sharp contrast between his modern, corporate image and a martial-arts hero has left many viewers eager to see his next transformation.
The impact of The Immortal Ascension has also extended beyond its lead actors. The drama helped boost the popularity of several supporting cast members, including Zhao Qing, who played Mo Caihuan. Despite having fewer scenes than the female lead, Zhao Qing drew considerable attention online and was dubbed “the most beautiful baiyueguang” by netizens. This unexpected popularity is widely believed to be one of the factors behind the fierce competition for the female lead role in Bu Rang Jiangshan.
According to rumors circulating on Chinese online forums, Zhang Yaqin was originally slated to star in another costume drama, Gui Liang Chen (归良辰), alongside Li Yunrui. However, her strong desire to collaborate with Yang Yang reportedly led her to compete for the female lead role in Bu Rang Jiangshan. In the end, investors concluded that Zhou Jieqiong was a better match for the character as envisioned in the drama adaptation.
Bu Rang Jiangshan is adapted from the popular novel of the same name by Chinese author Zhi Bai. The story follows Li Chi, portrayed by Yang Yang, an orphan raised by a Taoist priest who grows up amid a turbulent era. Armed with sharp strategic thinking and military talent, Li Chi rises from the lowest levels of society, navigating political intrigue and battlefield conflicts alongside his allies. Ultimately, he makes the difficult decision to end war through war in order to protect the region of Jizhou.
Blending elements of political strategy, military conflict, territorial development, and power struggles, Bu Rang Jiangshan offers a richly layered narrative. With its mix of youthful ambition, intense scheming, and moments of humor, the drama has already become one of the most talked-about upcoming costume series, even before cameras begin rolling.
