LayarHijau – The historical drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, has become one of the biggest Chinese drama hits of 2026. Beyond boosting its lead stars, the series has also propelled several supporting actors into the spotlight, including Kong Xueer as the tavern owner Yu Qianqian and Deng Kai as the eccentric prince Qi Min.
Amid the buzz, Yu Zhongli has also emerged as a standout thanks to her role as the Grand Princess Qi Shu. Her character is portrayed as elegant yet approachable, and her emotional storyline with strategist Gongsun Yin, played by Li Qing, has become one of the most talked-about arcs among viewers.
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Before gaining wider recognition through this drama, Yu Zhongli caught attention in Story of Kunning Palace (宁安如梦). In the series, she played Jiang Xuehui, a member of the Jiang family and a relative of the female lead Jiang Xuening, portrayed by Bai Lu. While not her direct sister, their on-screen interactions stood out, with some viewers even noting that Yu Zhongli’s presence rivaled that of the lead actress.
A graduate of Shanghai Theatre Academy, Yu Zhongli officially entered the entertainment industry in 2023. She is signed under the same agency as Tian Xiwei, making them labelmates. Although both actresses share a similar height and sweet image, Yu Zhongli’s career trajectory has been comparatively slower. While Tian Xiwei has already built a solid reputation through multiple hit dramas, Yu Zhongli has yet to headline a project, despite being widely praised for her visuals and potential.
Pursuit of Jade features three main couples at the center of its story. In addition to the main pairing of Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu, there is also the angsty romance between Yu Qianqian and Qi Min. Meanwhile, the relationship between Qi Shu and Gongsun Yin offers a different emotional layer. Aware of their vast social gap, Gongsun Yin initially rejects Qi Shu’s feelings, creating a deeply heartbreaking dynamic. However, upcoming episodes are expected to shift into a “winning back love” arc, something fans are eagerly anticipating.
Qi Shu’s character also stands out for her boldness in pursuing love. She even disguises herself as a military doctor to enter the army camp and get closer to the man she loves. In one viral scene, she unintentionally introduces herself using royal speech, saying, “Ben Gong’s surname is Qi.” The term “Ben Gong” (本宫) is a royal self-reference used by women of high status in the palace, such as princesses or consorts, essentially meaning “I” but with a strong emphasis on noble identity. Because Fan Changyu is unfamiliar with palace etiquette, she mistakenly assumes “Ben Gong” is part of Qi Shu’s name and calls her “Qi Bengong,” creating a comedic moment that amused viewers.
Despite the praise for Yu Zhongli’s performance, controversy has also arisen over her screen time. Both she and Li Qing are rumored to have received significantly expanded roles. According to circulating data among netizens, Gongsun Yin’s character reportedly has around 52 pages of script—more than several other supporting characters. Meanwhile, Qi Shu, officially the third female lead, is said to have about 40 pages of scenes, close to Kong Xueer’s 48 pages.
Additionally, Qi Shu and Gongsun Yin share several standout dramatic moments, including an intense “feeding medicine” scene that has become one of the drama’s highlights. This has led to dissatisfaction among some fans of Kong Xueer and Deng Kai, who feel that key spotlight moments have been overshadowed by other characters. The debate has continued to heat up across social media, adding even more buzz to the already viral drama.
