Nobody expected this one to work. Fan wars, feuding managers, accusations of fake ratings — Pursuit of Jade (逐玉) had every reason to fail before it even aired. Instead, it’s quietly becoming one of the most-watched Chinese dramas of the year. Here’s why.
Table of Contents
Zhang Linghe — Everything You Need to Know
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Chinese Title | 逐玉 (Zhú Yù) |
| Leads | Zhang Linghe & Tian Xiwei |
| Director | Zeng Qingjie (Blossom) |
| Genre | Costume Romance / Light Comedy |
| Setting | Village-to-imperial court |
| Supporting Cast | Snow Kong, Deng Kai, Li Qing, Ren Hao, Yan Yikuan |
| Streaming | Two platforms simultaneously |
| Ratings Trajectory | On pace for 10K/30K heat index |
The Drama Behind the Drama
Before a single episode aired, Pursuit of Jade was already making headlines for the wrong reasons. Fan wars broke out and speculation swirled that the two leads disliked each other, while the managers of Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei were reportedly feuding for a decade — a tension dating back to billing disputes over a much older drama they each had artists in. Instagram
Yet none of that backstage tension made it on screen. Not even close.
So What Actually Makes It Good?
The story takes place in a small village — a butcher’s daughter rescues an injured man from the brink of death, and due to circumstances, the two end up pretending to be married. Tian Xiwei plays a heroine who is smart, physically capable, and refreshingly no-nonsense, while Zhang Linghe adds genuine mystery as a nobleman whose identity as an ambushed general slowly unravels. His backstory promises rich court intrigue, teased through the menacing presence of a minister so powerful even the emperor shrinks from him. Instagram
The visual storytelling deserves a mention too. Directed by Zeng Qingjie, the series is strikingly shot, with Zhang Linghe delivering some of his best-looking work yet as the “frail” recovering nobleman — and even a female butcher somehow looks cinematic in this world. Instagram
This is what quality Chinese historical drama production looks like when everything clicks.
Ratings and the Artificial Popularity Debate
Pursuit of Jade has been topping ratings charts and appears on track to hit the 10K/30K heat index. While some argued the popularity was artificial, Tencent denied the claim — acknowledging only unrelated homepage issues that would not affect viewership metrics. Instagram
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FAQs
Q: Is Pursuit of Jade worth watching in 2026?
Absolutely — it blends sharp wit, gorgeous visuals, and slow-burn romance in a way that feels fresh, with two leads whose undeniable on-screen chemistry has turned pre-release sceptics into fans.
Q: What is the heat index target for Pursuit of Jade’s ratings?
The drama is tracking toward the prestigious 10K/30K heat index milestone — an impressive feat considering it airs on two streaming platforms simultaneously rather than having one exclusive platform driving all viewership.
