If you’ve scrolled through Netflix, iQIYI, or WeTV anytime over the past week, chances are you’ve been bombarded with stunning visuals of sword fights, snowy villages, and two impossibly beautiful people staring at each other with equal parts suspicion and longing. That would be Pursuit of Jade (Zhu Yu), the 40-episode historical romance that dropped on March 6, 2026, and has effectively ended productivity for C-drama fans worldwide .
The series has already stormed to the top of streaming charts, and while the story of a butcher’s daughter and a fallen marquis entering a contract marriage is compelling enough, the real magic lies in the ensemble bringing it to life. This isn’t just a two-person show—it’s a carefully assembled roster of rising stars, seasoned veterans, and even a few familiar faces from the idol world.
Whether you’re here for the leads or trying to figure out where you’ve seen that supporting actor before, here’s your complete guide to the cast and characters of Pursuit of Jade.
Zhang Linghe as Xie Zheng / Yan Zheng / Xie Jiuheng
Let’s start with the obvious scene-stealer. Zhang Linghe takes on the role of Xie Zheng, a character with more identities than a spy thriller. On the surface, he’s a frail, sickly scholar who agrees to marry Fan Changyu and even enters her family through入赘 (matrilocal marriage). But peel back that delicate exterior, and you’ll find Yan Zheng, the Duke of Wu’an, a man whose family was massacred seventeen years ago and who now lives under disguise while hunting for the truth .
This is Zhang Linghe’s first major historical outing since Story of Kunning Palace, and fans have already noticed how he’s refined his approach to the “noble with a tragic past” archetype. The 1997-born actor, who studied electrical engineering at Nanjing Normal University before pivoting to acting, brings a controlled intensity to the role . He’s physically convincing as both the weak scholar (those coughs feel genuinely concerning) and the ruthless warrior once the armor goes on.
A fun detail for eagle-eyed viewers: Zhang Linghe is known for his calligraphy skills, and in several close-up shots of Xie Zheng writing, that’s actually his hand, no stand-in required .
Tian Xiwei as Fan Changyu / Fan Ziping
If Zhang Linghe brings the brooding, Tian Xiwei delivers the soul. She plays Fan Changyu, a butcher’s daughter who literally wields a cleaver as her weapon of choice. After being orphaned and facing relatives trying to steal her family home, she proposes a contract marriage to the mysterious scholar she saved from the snow, not knowing he’s a wanted noble .
Tian Xiwei has earned the nickname “Queen of Costume Dramas” among fans, and this role explains why . Changyu isn’t your typical damsel waiting to be saved. She’s physically strong, emotionally stubborn, and undergoes a believable transformation from marketplace meat seller to battlefield warrior. The 1997-born Chongqing native studied at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and her training shows in how she balances the character’s comedic timing in early episodes with the heavier dramatic lifting later on .
The chemistry between Tian Xiwei and Zhang Linghe has been a major talking point since the trailer dropped. They share a “mutual exploitation turns to genuine feeling” dynamic that feels refreshingly equal—she needs a husband to keep her home; he needs cover to investigate his family’s murder. Neither feels like a passive participant in their own story.
Kong Xue’er (Snow Kong) as Yu Qianqian
Every good historical drama needs a female friend who’s more than just moral support, and Yu Qianqian fits that bill perfectly. Played by Kong Xue’er, Yu is the owner of Yixiang Tower, a restaurant that becomes a key location in the story. She’s sharp, successful, and hiding her own past wounds .
For those who followed the idol survival show scene, Kong Xue’er’s name rings bells. She trained under JYP Entertainment in South Korea, was a member of LadyBees, and finished eighth in Youth With You 2, debuting with the popular group The9 . Her transition into acting has been strategic, and Pursuit of Jade places her in a role that requires both warmth and hidden depth. She won the Best Promising Television Actor award at the 2025 Tencent Video Star Awards, signaling that her second act in entertainment is gaining serious momentum .
Ren Hao as Li Huai’an
Listed as a “special guest star,” Ren Hao plays Li Huai’an, the eldest grandson of Grand Tutor Li and a military officer in Jizhou . It’s the kind of role that could easily fade into the background, but Ren Hao brings a quiet authority to the screen.
Like Kong Xue’er, Ren Hao comes from the idol world, specifically as a member of R1SE . His character occupies an interesting space in the narrative—connected to the political establishment but not entirely aligned with its corruption. He represents the possibility of honor within a broken system, and his scenes often serve as a moral counterweight to the more ruthless power players.
The Veteran Backbone: Liu Lin, Yan Yikuan, and Yue Yang
A historical drama’s emotional weight often rests on its senior cast members, and Pursuit of Jade assembled some heavy hitters.
Liu Lin plays Zhao Daniang, Fan Changyu’s neighbor and surrogate mother figure . If you’ve watched any Chinese drama in the past decade, you’ve likely seen Liu Lin. She has a gift for making even small roles feel lived-in, and here she provides the warmth that grounds Changyu when the plot gets increasingly chaotic.
Yan Yikuan (Kevin Yan) appears as Wei Yan, Xie Zheng’s uncle and the Grand Chancellor . For long-time drama viewers, Yan Yikuan’s presence carries nostalgia. He was once dubbed one of the “Four Great Period Dramas Beauties” in the industry, and while he’s aged into more authoritative roles, the screen presence remains intact. His character sits at the center of the political conspiracy, making him both potential ally and possible threat.
Yue Yang plays Uncle Zhao, completing the neighbor duo alongside Liu Lin . It’s a reminder that even in sprawling epics, the small community details matter.
The Younger Generation: Deng Kai, Li Qing, Yu Zhongli
The supporting youth cast deserves attention because several of them carry subplots that will likely pay off as the 40-episode run continues.
Deng Kai plays Qi Min, a character connected to military conflicts and political maneuvering . Deng has quietly built an impressive resume with over twenty drama credits, including The Blood of Youth and Destined . He’s one of those actors you’ve definitely seen before even if you can’t place the name, and his consistency makes him a reliable presence.
Li Qing (Li Zihao) portrays Gongsun Yin, head of the Heyuan Academy and Xie Zheng’s close friend . The 2000-born actor represents the fresh wave of talent entering the industry, and his character serves as the strategic advisor archetype—the genius who prefers simplicity over power but can’t escape being pulled into larger conflicts.
Yu Zhongli plays Princess Qi Shu, a high-ranking noble who falls for Gongsun Yin and even disguises herself as a man to study at his academy . It’s a classic setup with modern appeal, and Yu brings the right mix of privilege and rebellion to the role. She’s a Shanghai Theatre Academy graduate whose previous work includes Ning‘an Rumeng and Morning Sun to Night .
Special Appearances Worth Noting
Pursuit of Jade packed its cast list with familiar faces in smaller roles. Du Chun appears as Captain Wang, an old friend who helps Xie Zheng secure travel documents . Tan Kai plays Prince Changxin, while Mao Linlin takes on Wei Wan, Xie Zheng’s mother . Ye Zuxin appears as Crown Prince Chengde, adding another layer to the palace politics.
For Thai fans, there’s special reason to tune in. Gao Qingchen (Nine Krachit), the Thai actor who gained fame through INTO1, plays Mandi, a market stall collector’s assistant who eventually becomes one of Fan Changyu’s loyal followers . It’s a supporting role, but his presence has already generated buzz across Southeast Asian fan communities.
Zhu Zanjin took over the role of Song Yan, Fan Changyu’s former fiancé, after the character was recast post-filming . These behind-the-scenes changes happen more often than fans realize, and Zhu steps into a role that sets up early tension in Changyu’s backstory.
The Creative Team Behind the Camera
While the actors bring the faces, the creative team provides the vision. Director Zeng Qingjie previously helmed Provoke and has a reputation for striking visuals . The screenplay comes from Zou Yue, Jin Zi, and Zeng Zhen, adapting Tuanzi Laixi’s web novel .
The music deserves a shoutout too. JJ Lin composed and performs the theme song “I‘m Careful with Fate,” with lyrics by Vincent Fang . It’s a major get for any drama, and the track has already racked up millions of streams since release. The soundtrack also features Zhang Bichen, Yu Kewei, Huang Xiaoyun, and Zhang Yuan, making it a playlist-worthy collection on its own.
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Why This Cast Works
Pursuit of Jade could have coasted on its leads’ popularity. Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei both have dedicated fanbases, and their pairing was always going to generate interest. But the drama’s early success suggests something deeper—the ensemble creates a world that feels populated rather than staged.
The idol-to-actor transitions (Kong Xue’er, Ren Hao) work because they’re placed in roles that fit their current skill levels rather than being asked to carry above their weight. The veterans (Liu Lin, Yan Yikuan) provide stability that lets younger actors take risks. And the supporting players (Deng Kai, Li Qing, Yu Zhongli) each get moments to establish their characters’ motivations before the plot demands they become important.
With 40 episodes to tell its story of revenge, war, and a marriage that stops being fake somewhere along the way, Pursuit of Jade has the foundation to go the distance. The cast is why you click play. Whether the story keeps you watching? That’s what the next few weeks will determine.
Pursuit of Jade streams on iQIYI, Tencent Video, WeTV, and Netflix, with new episodes releasing daily. The series runs for 40 episodes, currently scheduled through March 23, 2026 .
