LayarHijau – The Chinese drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, has become a massive hit. Zhang Linghe plays Wu’an Hou Xie Zheng, while Tian Xiwei portrays Fan Changyu, a butcher woman. In the story, the two are a married couple who fight side by side against enemies while also helping Fan Changyu avenge the tragic deaths of her parents.
Blending action, emotion, and strong partnership between its leads, the drama has seen a rapid surge in popularity. Its view count has surpassed 2.7 billion, earning Pursuit of Jade the title of one of the most phenomenal dramas of 2026.
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The series is adapted from the novel 侯夫人与杀猪刀 (The Marquis’ Wife and the Butcher’s Knife / “Istri Marquis dan Pisau Tukang Jagal”) by Tuanzi Laixi, which had already built a strong fanbase before the adaptation. However, following the drama’s release, many original readers voiced criticism over several major changes to the story.
The first major complaint centers on the removal of key scenes featuring Fan Changyu. In the novel, she is portrayed not only as physically strong but also intelligent and strategic. Her journey from a butcher to a female general is carefully developed through significant events.
One of the most iconic moments shows Fan Changyu single-handedly confronting and killing a black bear, a scene that firmly establishes her strength and bravery. Another highlights her leading a clever operation to seize enemy supplies, showcasing her tactical abilities. In the drama, however, the black bear scene is completely omitted, while the supply raid is simplified into a straightforward ambush. These changes led fans to argue that Fan Changyu loses her strategic edge and instead comes across as impulsive.
The second controversial change involves Xie Zheng’s punishment of 108 lashes. In the novel, he willingly asks for the punishment after discovering that the woman he loves is the daughter of his enemy. The act serves as a powerful symbol of his inner conflict between love and past grievances.
In the drama version, this scene is significantly altered. Instead of requesting the punishment himself, Xie Zheng is whipped by his uncle, Wei Yan, who also serves as the prime minister. Given that Wei Yan knows the truth behind the past tragedy and understands that Fan Changyu’s parents were innocent, this change has been widely criticized as illogical.
The third issue raised by fans is the reduction of the couple’s intimate storyline. In the novel, the sequence is detailed and emotionally layered: Xie Zheng is drugged, Fan Changyu rushes to rescue him, and the two hide inside a rock cave.
Inside the cave, Xie Zheng struggles to resist the effects of the drug but still shows physical closeness toward Fan Changyu before she eventually knocks him unconscious. After returning home, even with medical treatment, the effects persist, leading to a pivotal moment where their relationship deepens significantly.
In contrast, the drama cuts most of this progression. It only shows Fan Changyu knocking Xie Zheng unconscious before jumping directly to a scene at their residence. The sudden line, “Has the effect of the drug not worn off yet?” appears without the emotional buildup, leaving many viewers feeling that the relationship development lacks depth.
Despite the backlash from novel readers, Pursuit of Jade continues to dominate discussions, proving its strong appeal among a wider audience.
