Zhang Linghe and Lu Yuxiao are teaming up again for a new Chinese historical drama called Revenge (刺棠). The two actors previously starred together in the 2023 hit My Journey to You, and their reunion has become one of the most talked-about C-drama projects of the year. Filming officially began on September 12, 2026, in Hengdian, and the production team also announced the full cast and shared the first character posters on the same day.
The drama is adapted from the novel Ci Tang by author Wu Yuan and is produced by Lingmeng Pictures in collaboration with Tencent Video. With a planned 38 episodes and an estimated 140-day production schedule, Revenge is shaping up to be a major S+ project.
What Is Revenge About
Revenge tells the story of Ye Tingyan, a man who returns from the dead with one goal: to take down the emperor and empress who sit at the top of the imperial court. He was once Crown Prince Song Ling, a noble and respected figure. But during a political purge known as the Citang Case, he was framed by his younger brother Song Lan and betrayed by his fiancée Su Luowei.
Song Ling survived the assassination attempt, though his body was never found. He went through a painful transformation, changing his face and taking on the identity of a powerful minister named Ye Tingyan. When he reunites with Su Luowei, who is now the Empress, he treats her as a pawn in his revenge plan. The two engage in a tense battle of suspicion and strategy amid the dangerous power struggles of the court.
As the story progresses, Ye Tingyan discovers the truth behind the old conspiracy. The two resolve their misunderstandings, join forces, and work together to bring down the tyrant and clear the Citang Case.
Zhang Linghe Takes on Two Roles
Zhang Linghe plays both Song Ling and Ye Tingyan in Revenge, meaning he is taking on a dual role that requires him to portray two very different versions of the same person. This is a significant acting challenge for the actor, who has gained massive popularity recently.
Zhang Linghe’s recent work includes the hit drama Pursuit of Jade, which has raised his profile in the industry and made his fanbase even more vocal about his career choices. In Revenge, he plays a character who goes from being a bright, principled crown prince to a dark, revenge-driven official willing to do whatever it takes to destroy his enemies.
Lu Yuxiao Plays the Empress Su Luowei
Lu Yuxiao stars as Su Luowei, the female lead who marries the crown prince’s younger brother to investigate the truth behind her former fiancé’s disappearance. She rises to become the Empress and is described as a powerful woman who fights her way through a dangerous political landscape.
The role gives Lu Yuxiao a chance to show a more mature and commanding side compared to her previous characters. Her styling in the drama includes elegant black outfits that give Su Luowei a strong presence, as well as red looks that bring a brighter quality without losing the character’s authority. Lu Yuxiao and Zhang Linghe previously appeared together in My Journey to You, where their performances and fight choreography earned widespread praise.
Full Cast Lineup Revealed
Alongside the two leads, Revenge features a large supporting cast. Wang Hongyi plays Song Ling, Li Qing plays Song Lan, Sun Ning plays Lu Heng, and Sun Zhenni plays Qiu Si. Liu Mengrui takes on the role of Yu Suiyun, He Landou plays Song Zhiyu, Gao Hanyu plays Chang Zhao, and Thomas Tong plays Yan Lang.
The production also includes Liang Jie and An Yuexi in supporting roles. Six actresses are featured in significant supporting parts: Sun Zhenni, Liu Mengrui, He Landou, Liang Jie, An Yuexi, and Huang Mengying.
Fan Backlash Before Filming Began
The casting of Lu Yuxiao as the female lead sparked significant opposition from Zhang Linghe’s fanbase before filming started. On July 6, 2026, Zhang Linghe’s official fan club released a statement urging the production team not to cast Lu Yuxiao in the drama.
The controversy centers on allegations that Lu Yuxiao’s manager interacted with online accounts that had been spreading negative content about Zhang Linghe. Fans also raised concerns about billing order, with speculation that Lu Yuxiao could potentially receive higher name placement on promotional materials if she joined the project. Another point of tension was the belief that Ci Tang is a female-centered story, which some fans worried would leave Zhang Linghe’s character in a supporting position rather than sharing equal importance.
Both actors are represented by the same talent agency, Zhong Xing Shidai, though they are managed by different teams. As of the filming start date, neither Lu Yuxiao nor her agency had issued an official response to the fan backlash.
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Where to Watch Revenge
Revenge is set to broadcast on Tencent Video and is expected to be available exclusively on the platform. The drama is currently in production, with filming taking place in Inner Mongolia and Hengdian. A release date has not been announced yet. International viewers can look forward to the show becoming available on Tencent Video’s international platform (WeTV) for audiences in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and other regions once the drama completes production and is ready for broadcast.
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on the biggest C-drama releases and casting news from the world of Asian entertainment.
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