LayarHijau — Zhang Linghe rose to widespread popularity after starring alongside Tian Xiwei in the historical drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉). His fame surged rapidly, and he is now drawing attention again with his latest historical project, The Road to Glory (歸鸞), which is currently in production, where he stars opposite Lin Yun.
In this drama, Zhang Linghe portrays a man from a humble background living through a time of chaos. His character undergoes a long transformation, starting as a street tough before rising to become a commanding general, and eventually growing into a powerful figure in a war-torn era. To better fit the role of such a formidable character, he reportedly spent three months undergoing intensive physical training and gained around six kilograms of muscle mass.
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Zhang Linghe also reunites with Cao Yanning after the two previously appeared together in Pursuit of Jade. In that drama, Cao Yanning played Fan Changning, the younger sister of Tian Xiwei’s character. Unlike many child roles in similar dramas that are often reduced to tearful or purely supportive figures, Fan Changning was portrayed as independent and calm. She helped her older sister, Fan Changyu, shoulder emotional burdens, while also showing a more playful and affectionate side toward her brother-in-law, Xie Zheng, played by Zhang Linghe. Their dynamic as in-laws created many warm and memorable moments for viewers.
In addition, Fan Changning shared a meaningful bond with Bao’er, the son of tavern owner Yu Qianqian. The two were depicted as childhood companions with a close connection, caring deeply for each other and repeatedly stepping in to help one another during dangerous situations. Their relationship added a strong emotional layer to the story.
The news of Zhang Linghe and Cao Yanning reuniting in The Road to Glory has been met with great enthusiasm. This time, however, their characters are no longer family. In the new drama, Cao Yanning plays the eldest granddaughter of the crown prince of the Liang Dynasty and the niece of Wen Yu, the character portrayed by Lin Yun. She holds an important position within the royal circle and becomes involved in the complex power struggles at the heart of the story.
Notably, both Pursuit of Jade and The Road to Glory are adapted from novels written by the same author, Tuan Zi Lai Xi (團子來襲). This shared origin has raised expectations among viewers, as the author is known for crafting emotionally driven narratives and layered character relationships.
The Road to Glory follows the fall of the Liang Dynasty and the fate of Wen Yu, a noblewoman renowned as the “most beautiful woman” of her time. After her kingdom collapses, she becomes a pawn in the hands of powerful elites. In her attempt to seek military support for revenge, she travels far to find her fiancé, but is captured by bandits along the way and nearly sold into a brothel before being rescued by Xiao Li, a low-born man played by Zhang Linghe.
Under Wen Yu’s strategic guidance, Xiao Li gradually rises from a street-level figure to a general, and eventually ascends to the throne. Leading a powerful and undefeated army through a chaotic era, he brings stability to a suffering population.
In the original novel, Cao Yanning’s character also plays a significant role in the long term. She is portrayed as the eldest granddaughter of the crown prince and is eventually appointed as the female heir before later ascending to rule in her own right. This development further heightens anticipation for her interactions with both Zhang Linghe and Lin Yun.
With its strong narrative, a turbulent historical backdrop, and the much-anticipated reunion between Zhang Linghe and Cao Yanning offering a fresh dynamic, The Road to Glory is shaping up to be one of the most highly awaited historical dramas.
