If you’re looking for the definitive C-drama of 2026, look no further than Pursuit of Jade.
Adapted from Tuan Zi Lai Xi’s bestselling novel, this series tells the story of Fan Changyu (Tian Xiwei), a lady butcher, who rescues Xie Zheng (Zhang Linghe), a nobleman on the run. Xie Zheng needs a new identity to survive and, naturally, the fastest cover is a marriage of convenience.
Though Changyu takes Zheng in as her husband, she never guesses he’s the Marquis of Wu’An, a decorated general. Cue a 17-year-old blood feud, a court full of politics, and two people slowly, believably falling for each other.
This idol drama’s premise might be simple, but it has already become a runaway success. The series aired/streamed in 191 countries and regions, debuted at No. 6 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English chart, and topped search trends in 15 markets, including Thailand, Canada, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore. That kind of pull doesn’t happen without real substance behind it — a richly layered story, a cast worth remembering, and a romance that rewards your patience.
Here’s why you should add the show to your watchlist.
1) It’s a slow burn that actually earns its happy ending
Pursuit of Jade could have coasted by on gorgeous cinematography and lush costuming alone — and to be fair, both are indeed stunning. But the show knows better than to rely on looks, and cooks up a plot that has a slow but steady build-up and payoff.
The romance takes its time, letting Changyu and Zheng prove they’re a team long before they admit they’re a couple. First, he marries into her family so she can keep her home, then they fight wars together as comrades, and the love that follows feels earned rather than assumed.
2) Zhang Linghe’s star-making turn
It’s no accident this role shot Zhang Linghe’s career into A-list orbit. The camera knows exactly how to frame him, flaunting his sharp features and amazing cheekbones, but the show doesn’t just treat the actor as a pretty thing. The role is demanding and stretches his range; Xie Zheng gets to be tender and quiet one moment, and a formidable general with a commanding presence the next. Zhang convincingly sells every aspect of the character.
3) Changyu is not reduced to a cliche
Plenty of C-dramas flatten their heroines the moment romance enters the picture. Not this one.
Tian Xiwei plays Changyu with a bright-eyed, chirpy directness from episode one. She’s a character with a rich inner life, not just a romantic plot device. Love story or not, she has a clear personality: smart, stubborn, and straightforward. Whether at home or at the royal court, she is always unmistakably herself.
4) A villain with layers, and a supporting cast worth rooting for
Every great drama needs a villain you can almost understand, and Pursuit of Jade delivers one in the form of Qi Min (Deng Kai): menacing, but with just enough humanity showing through the cracks. There are other villains, too, scheming in the shadows, and they are no easy foil for our protagonists.
The side characters also add colour to the show — especially the four ‘hooligans’ of Lin’An Town, whom Changyu protects rather than turns away early in the series. Their bond pays off when they reunite later on in the show, providing moments of comic relief.
Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng enter a fake marriage for separate reasons, but their love grows. Separated by conflict, they reunite on the battlefield, fighting together for justice, truth, and their love.
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Drama
Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng enter a fake marriage for separate reasons, but their love grows. Separated by conflict, they reunite on the battlefield, fighting together for justice, truth, and their love.
Catch this title under: Chinese 中文, New on KrisWorld, Top 20 on KrisWorld, Bingeworthy Series, For Suites and First Class, For Business Class
Cast: No Cast Available
Audio: Spoken Chinese (Mandarin)
English Subs
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep1)
Fan Changyu rescues Xie Zheng in the snow and evades the soldiers searching for him.
47m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep2)
Fan Changyu reopens the family pork shop and displays an unusual talent for business.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep3)
Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng face a crisis, stirring Zheng's emotions.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep4)
Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu grow closer through hardship, and finally consummate their marriage.
49m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep5)
Changyu is upset about the hairpin and the betrothal letter. Gongsun Yin discovers Princess Qi Shu's identity.
45m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep6)
Xie Zheng starts wondering who the Fan family really are. Fan Changyu appears in court.
44m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep7)
Fan Changyu escapes from prison to find someone and fights alongside Xie Zheng.
43m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep8)
Fan Changyu learns from Gongsun Yin that Xie Zheng will eventually leave, which upsets her.
47m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep9)
The Wei assassins strike again at night. Li Huai'an finds the Fan shrine to the Marquis of Wu'an.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep10)
At court, Wei Yan suppresses Grand Tutor Li to consolidate his power.
44m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep11)
Fan Changyu is attacked by a butcher. Li Huai'an returns for a date with the Grand Princess.
47m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep12)
Fan Changning encounters Yu Bao'er at a tavern. Xie Zheng discovers Zhao Xun and Qi Min hoarding grain.
47m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep13)
Qi Min learns who Xie Zheng really is. The Fan and Zhao families celebrate New Year's Eve together.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep14)
Qi Min discovers Yu Bao'er's birth date. During the festival night, Fan Changyu publicly reveals Song Yan.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep15)
Fan Changyu discovers her true origins from her grandfather. Yi Xiang Tower faces false accusations.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep16)
Fan Changyu infiltrates the yamen, battles Sui Yuan Qing to rescue the magistrate, and is saved by Xie Zheng.
44m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep17)
Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng argue fiercely, parting on bad terms. Yu Qianqian decides to head south.
45m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep18)
Bloodshed erupts in Lin'an as Fan Changyu lures the bandits away. Xie Zheng rushes over to help.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep19)
When Changning goes missing, Changyu resolves to search for her sister.
43m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep20)
As the battle and rescue approach, Xie Zheng and He Jingyuan create a strategy.
44m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep21)
Fan Changyu urges everyone to keep on living and search for the homeland.
45m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep22)
Grand Tutor Tao plots to rescue Changyu. Xie Zheng faces off with Sui Yuanqing.
48m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep23)
Xie Zheng achieves an incredible victory in battle, though circumstances shift.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep24)
Qi Shu realises he's been unrealistic. Fan Changyu reunites with her long-lost sister.
45m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep25)
Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu grow closer. Fan Changyu foils Shi Yue's plan.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep26)
Qi Shu and Gongsun Yin confess their love before battle. Fan Changyu visits her husband and kills Shi Hu.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep27)
A chance meeting leads Xie Zheng to reveal his feelings, bringing them closer together.
44m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep28)
Fan Changyu searches for someone. Xie Zheng has Xie Qi secretly guard her.
50m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep29)
Yu Qianqian flees and encounters Changyu beyond the city walls.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep30)
He Jingyuan falls in battle. His final letter discloses Fan Changyu's true father.
44m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep31)
Xie Zheng and Changyu reach a standstill. Wei Xuan loses his position. Li Huai'an makes amends.
45m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep32)
Li Huai'an declares Fan Changyu his sworn sister to stop gossip.
45m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep33)
Li Huai'an learns of Sui Yuanqing's escape and confronts Xie Zheng. Li's plan fails.
47m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep34)
At night, Qi Sheng goes to the Prime Minister seeking protection.
50m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep35)
Qi Min conspires with Grand Tutor Li, who suggests hosting a banquet.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep36)
Xie Zheng's public declaration of love causes a stir. He looks for the truth behind a palace coup.
47m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep37)
Tutor Li attends the event and clashes with Wei Yan while being sick.
45m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep38)
Intrigue swirls at court and in the martial world. Changyu swears to clear her father's name.
45m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep39)
Qi Min leads rebels into the palace, where he confronts Wei Yan. Xie Zheng beats Wei Yan.
46m
Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 (Ep40)
Wei Yan commits suicide to quell the rebellion. Qi Min dies. The young emperor ascends to the throne.
55m
Text: Georgia Ho
Images: ©2026 Tencent Penguin Pictures (Shanghai) Co., Ltd and Beijing IQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd.