LayarHijau – The upcoming costume drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), adapted from the popular novel of the same name, is set to meet viewers soon. Starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, the series presents a romance that is both sweet and heart-wrenching amid war and chaos. The combination of a visually striking lead couple and a strong production team has fueled high anticipation even before its official release.
Pursuit of Jade is directed by Zeng Qingjie, known for Blossom, and written by Zou Yue, the screenwriter behind Love Like the Galaxy. Their collaboration brings to life the story of Fan Changyu, the daughter of a butcher, and Xie Zheng, a fallen nobleman living in hiding.
Fan Changyu loses both of her parents and must support her household on her own. Meanwhile, Xie Zheng was once a noble lord, but after his family’s downfall, he is forced to conceal his identity. Their paths cross in the middle of a snowstorm, beginning with a marriage of convenience driven by personal motives. Yet amid the flames of war and a turbulent era, genuine feelings gradually take root between them.
In the drama, Zhang Linghe portrays Xie Zheng, a once-prestigious nobleman brought to his lowest point by fate. This marks his first time taking on a general-like role in a historical drama, showcasing a firmer and more battle-scarred side of his acting range.
On the other hand, Tian Xiwei sheds her usual sweet image to take on a drastically different role. Fan Changyu is depicted as a resilient young woman with extraordinary physical strength. After her parents’ deaths, she independently supports her family and even ends up rescuing a severely injured Xie Zheng. In the novel, Fan Changyu is described as a striking beauty in her town, yet her strength is astonishing. Alone, she can easily defeat more than a dozen grown men. Even well-trained male soldiers with larger builds are no match for the small-town woman who continues her father’s profession as a butcher.
In the novel, Xie Zheng is also one of the few men capable of matching Fan Changyu’s remarkable strength. Beyond physical power, his intelligence and martial arts skills allow him to rival—and in certain situations, defeat—her.
The novel Pursuit of Jade offers a wuxia story that stands out from others in the genre. Both main characters possess exceptional physical abilities, and eventually, they rise to become two of the kingdom’s most reliable generals.
Beyond its powerful leads, the novel’s author, Tuan Zi Lai Xi, is known for a distinctive storytelling style—presenting humorous situations in a serious tone. The restrained and straightforward narration used to depict the characters’ absurd or comedic moments makes the story even more amusing. It will be interesting to see how Zou Yue adapts this unique style into the drama’s screenplay.
Bringing humor into a story should not be a challenge for Zou Yue, considering her track record. Love Like the Galaxy, starring Wu Lei and Zhao Lusi, shares a similar trait, blending the romance between Wu Lei’s cold character and Zhao Lusi’s extroverted heroine with distinctive comedic moments set against a darker dramatic backdrop.
When discussing Pursuit of Jade, one scene that immediately captured attention is the moment Fan Changyu carries Xie Zheng on her back. The contrast between Tian Xiwei’s petite frame and Zhang Linghe’s 190-centimeter height creates a striking visual charm. Zhang Linghe jokingly remarked that being carried by someone who looks that cute was certainly a very unique experience.
Interestingly, in real life, Tian Xiwei is known for her dedication to fitness and regular weight training. Netizens have even nicknamed her “the muscular sweetheart” and “the weightlifting athlete.” Last year, on the variety show Mao Xue Wang, Li Xueqin described Tian Xiwei as someone with “the sweetest smile paired with the fiercest punch” when asked who best fit that description. The clip quickly trended on social media. The subtle overlap between her on-screen role and real-life persona adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm to Fan Changyu’s character.
Pursuit of Jade is scheduled to premiere on March 6 via WeTV and iQIYI International.
