Pursuit of Jade is one of the best Chinese dramas I’ve ever watched which is why I give it a 9/10. the only reason I deducted a point is because of the male lead which I’ll talk about later.
What truly stands out about this drama is the richness of its plot and storytelling. the events are not simple they are layered and interconnected and full of developments that constantly keep the viewer engaged . the story moves smoothly between political conflicts , schemes and wars alongside the romantic storyline without ever feeling messy or overwhelming . every event leads naturally to the next and even the smallest details play a role in shaping the story making the entire experience feel cohesive and immersive.
What’s even more impressive is that the drama doesn’t rely solely on its main plot. it weaves multiple subplots that add depth and dimension whether through the backstories of side characters or the evolution of their relationships . this balance between tension , drama and romance keeps the pacing strong so it never loses momentum in the middle like many dramas do , it keeps you hooked until the very end.
As for Shangyu she is an outstanding character who carries the drama effortlessly and I’ve genuinely connected with her . her struggles felt raw and deeply emotional to the point where I could feel the weight of everything she was going through as if I were experiencing it alongside he r. Tian Xi Wei’s performance brought the character to life delivering every emotion with sincerity and depth . she has definitely become an actress I will look forward to watching in future projects.
On the other hand Zhang Ling He whose best historical role in my opinion is still Xi Wei in The Story of Kunning Palace , didn't show the same strength here . his character was introduced as a powerful and feared marquis but what was shown on screen didn’t fully match that image. his strength felt more like something that was told rather than shown . most of the time it was the female lead who stepped in, fought and saved the situation even against the strongest opponents creating a noticeable imbalance.
I don’t mean that the female lead overshadowed him , the issue lies in the lack of defining moments for him. he rarely gets scenes that truly highlight his strength or influence and at times he feels more like a supporting presence. even side characters including minor soldiers were given stronger and more impactful moments . it’s hard to say whether this comes from Zhang Ling He’s limitations in action scenes or from the writing but he doesn’t fully live up to how he was presented . I do hope his role in The Road to Glory with the same writer will be better.
Meanwhile Deng Kei delivered an outstanding performance as Qi Min. His character was psychologically complex and carefully written from his backstory to his motivations for revenge and even his family dynamics . His cold aura and strong presence made him one of the most compelling characters in the drama and I truly hope to see him in leading roles in the future.
The love story between Gongsun and Princess Shu was also beautiful and heartfelt. Personally I found their relationship more appealing than the second lead couple that gained more popularity .
As for Li Huai An portrayed by Ren Hao , his character was somewhat disappointing . he wasn’t given any significant moments to showcase intelligence or real impact on the storyline which made his presence feel underused.
Overall , the acting across the drama was strong and convincing with almost every character delivering a solid performance . The fight scenes were smooth and enjoyable especially those involving the female lead which added a lot to the viewing experience.
The direction was also impressive . I especially loved the visual atmosphere , the snowy settings contrasted beautifully with the warmth of the city creating a unique aesthetic that sometimes even felt reminiscent of Switzerland.
The soundtrack was another major strength . the music was beautifully composed and perfectly matched the tone of each scenewhether it was intense battle moments , emotional drama or romantic scenes enhancing the overall immersion and emotional depth of the story .
In the end Pursuit of Jade is a richly detailed and well written drama that successfully balances action , politics and romance despite some shortcomings in the male lead’s portrayal, the strength of the characters, performances and storytelling makes it a truly memorable and worthwhile watch.
I’m currently on episode 30 and while I’m really enjoying the drama I do have one small complaint . we keep hearing about the male lead the great marquis whom everyone fears and respects especially because of his reputation in war but so far we haven’t truly seen those abilities fully portrayed on screen . it feels like his strength is constantly talked about rather than actually demonstrated .
meanwhile it’s almost always the female lead who steps in , fights and saves the situation even when facing the most powerful warriors . don’t get me wrong i genuinely love her fight scenes . TXW did an incredible job she’s convincing , graceful and strong . in fact she’s easily become one of my favorite female leads in historical cdramas. she’s so well written intelligent , capable and refreshing in a way that really stands out.
i just wish there were a bit more balance where we could also see the male lead truly showcase why he’s so feared on the battlefield instead of it being mostly implied through dialogue .
can you tell me from which chapter in the novel the intimate scenes begin ? i’d like to start reading from there
tank you for the detailed explanation that’s really kind of you . I came across some comments saying certain scenes were cut due to censorship so I was curious about how the original scenes actually are
its been a long time since I enjoyed a historical drama this much . It’s the kind of series that pulls you in from the very first episodes and makes you genuinely excited to keep watching . I really think it fully deserves the success and attention it’s getting . the development between the leads feels very natural and the story takes its time to build their relationship instead of rushing it . the comedy also works well without feeling forced or cringe which makes the whole drama even more enjoyable .
Tian Xiwei is doing a great job she’s a very natural actress who brings a lot of charm and authenticity to the female lead especially since the character isn’t written as unrealistically perfect and Zhang Linghe is very charismatic his presence and aura suit historical roles perfectly and it’s easy to believe him as a marquis.
There’s also a very interesting second couple whose dynamic adds depth and charm to the story making the whole drama even more engaging .
why is the rating low? I expected it to be higher ! for me, this is the best historical drama of the past two years. I especially loved that the male lead is realistic , different from the typical ones we usually see , he isn’t skilled in martial arts just a simple, ordinary person who grows little by little as the story unfolds
u guys…. pls read this in full she didn’t lose weight because she intended to. she was sick and didn’t gain any despite eating a lot
she prev also shared she was referred to the nutrition dept to seek professional help she’s still on the road to recovery let’s be patient
Zhao Lusi : “i’ve gained 4kg, currently at 41kg and at my thinnest i was around 37kg.
right now i feel like i’m in a really good state, and haven’t been intentionally dieting just exercising normally.
after losing weight drastically the previous time, i didn’t think much of it initially and assumed it was due to my egg allergy. but even when i ate a lot a lot that day my weight still didn’t go up, and i also started feeling unwell. that’s when i realised something wasn’t right.” https://x.com/youniebear/status/1883213794270499041
another translation zhao lusi : "I didn't lose weight intentionally, I exercised like usual . I thought it was due to my egg allergy but afterwards, when my weight still didn't increase despite eating a lot everyday, and when I started to feel physically unwell, I realised something was amiss"
I'll never understand Asian beauty standards. She's still at "82 pounds (37.19 Kg)". IMO she needs carbs & protein…
u guys…. pls read this in full she didn’t lose weight because she intended to. she was sick and didn’t gain any despite eating a lot
she prev also shared she was referred to the nutrition dept to seek professional help she’s still on the road to recovery let’s be patient
Zhao Lusi : “i’ve gained 4kg, currently at 41kg and at my thinnest i was around 37kg.
right now i feel like i’m in a really good state, and haven’t been intentionally dieting just exercising normally.
after losing weight drastically the previous time, i didn’t think much of it initially and assumed it was due to my egg allergy. but even when i ate a lot a lot that day my weight still didn’t go up, and i also started feeling unwell. that’s when i realised something wasn’t right.” https://x.com/youniebear/status/1883213794270499041
another translation zhao lusi : "I didn't lose weight intentionally, I exercised like usual . I thought it was due to my egg allergy but afterwards, when my weight still didn't increase despite eating a lot everyday, and when I started to feel physically unwell, I realised something was amiss"
I'll never understand Asian beauty standards. She's still at "82 pounds (37.19 Kg)". IMO she needs carbs & protein…
u guys…. pls read this in full she didn’t lose weight because she intended to. she was sick and didn’t gain any despite eating a lot
she prev also shared she was referred to the nutrition dept to seek professional help she’s still on the road to recovery let’s be patient
Zhao Lusi : “i’ve gained 4kg, currently at 41kg and at my thinnest i was around 37kg.
right now i feel like i’m in a really good state, and haven’t been intentionally dieting just exercising normally.
after losing weight drastically the previous time, i didn’t think much of it initially and assumed it was due to my egg allergy. but even when i ate a lot a lot that day my weight still didn’t go up, and i also started feeling unwell. that’s when i realised something wasn’t right.” https://x.com/youniebear/status/1883213794270499041
another translation zhao lusi : "I didn't lose weight intentionally, I exercised like usual . I thought it was due to my egg allergy but afterwards, when my weight still didn't increase despite eating a lot everyday, and when I started to feel physically unwell, I realised something was amiss"
Her douyin post has almost 12 million likes show most cnets support her 🥰
sharing some heartwarming comments from Zhao lusi ' s douyin post 💜
[347k likes] even while being sick, she still faces the camera with a smile 🥹
[97k likes] lusi posting this pic after being sick means she’s getting better, the sun is out and our little sunshine is coming back
[610k likes] you’re really super amazing quickly get well soon! 🫂
[170k likes] actually, in this moment, you looked really beautiful 🥹
ㄴ [18k likes] truly stunning, when her look was first revealed i was absolutely blown away by how beautiful she looked 🥹
[23k likes] little girl, i’m an almost 40yo uncle, and in the past few years, i’ve gone through a failed entrepreneurship, a broken marriage, and experienced one of the lowest points in my life. i used to think of walking away without looking back and leave this world, but i held on. now every day is a gift from heaven, and i believe everything is in its best arrangement.
i’m not your fan, just one of the millions of strangers who doesn’t want to see you trapped in darkness. i hope you will recover quickly and step out of the shadows. we’re all waiting for your return. in the future, i want to see you at every lunar new year gala jia you! 👏🫂🙏
ㄴ thank you uncle happy new year 🙏
ㄴ thank you uncle may you encounter kind people from now on
155k likes] amu ah, truly the best amu 😭😭😭
[112k likes] it seems like her dog is also worried and sad for her
[54k likes] having friends like them is truly a blessing
I'm honestly shocked to see this article state that public opinion is not on Zhao Lusi's side....why would the…
Her douyin post has almost 12 million likes show most cnets support her 🥰
Weibo is full of water armies and paid negative posts. It has been exposed that water armies were paying 5 Yuan ($.68) per post to spread malicious rumors and lies about Lusi. Recently Weibo has banned more than 800 accounts and cleaned up more than 10K illegal contents for malicious speculation, attacks, and smears. https://x.com/ariesnarien/status/1875208613184368735
sharing some heartwarming comments from Zhao lusi ' s douyin post 💜
[347k likes] even while being sick, she still faces the camera with a smile 🥹
[97k likes] lusi posting this pic after being sick means she’s getting better, the sun is out and our little sunshine is coming back
[610k likes] you’re really super amazing quickly get well soon! 🫂
[170k likes] actually, in this moment, you looked really beautiful 🥹
ㄴ [18k likes] truly stunning, when her look was first revealed i was absolutely blown away by how beautiful she looked 🥹
[23k likes] little girl, i’m an almost 40yo uncle, and in the past few years, i’ve gone through a failed entrepreneurship, a broken marriage, and experienced one of the lowest points in my life. i used to think of walking away without looking back and leave this world, but i held on. now every day is a gift from heaven, and i believe everything is in its best arrangement.
i’m not your fan, just one of the millions of strangers who doesn’t want to see you trapped in darkness. i hope you will recover quickly and step out of the shadows. we’re all waiting for your return. in the future, i want to see you at every lunar new year gala jia you! 👏🫂🙏
ㄴ thank you uncle happy new year 🙏
ㄴ thank you uncle may you encounter kind people from now on
155k likes] amu ah, truly the best amu 😭😭😭
[112k likes] it seems like her dog is also worried and sad for her
[54k likes] having friends like them is truly a blessing
LiuYuning : if you think about it, my haters must somewhat love me. If you truly hated someone, you wouldn't even want to see them. But my haters watch all my stuff, listen to everything I say to find my flaws, so they must still somewhat love me. So no need to K1ll them, ok!!
What truly stands out about this drama is the richness of its plot and storytelling. the events are not simple they are layered and interconnected and full of developments that constantly keep the viewer engaged . the story moves smoothly between political conflicts , schemes and wars alongside the romantic storyline without ever feeling messy or overwhelming . every event leads naturally to the next and even the smallest details play a role in shaping the story making the entire experience feel cohesive and immersive.
What’s even more impressive is that the drama doesn’t rely solely on its main plot. it weaves multiple subplots that add depth and dimension whether through the backstories of side characters or the evolution of their relationships . this balance between tension , drama and romance keeps the pacing strong so it never loses momentum in the middle like many dramas do , it keeps you hooked until the very end.
As for Shangyu she is an outstanding character who carries the drama effortlessly and I’ve genuinely connected with her . her struggles felt raw and deeply emotional to the point where I could feel the weight of everything she was going through as if I were experiencing it alongside he r. Tian Xi Wei’s performance brought the character to life delivering every emotion with sincerity and depth . she has definitely become an actress I will look forward to watching in future projects.
On the other hand Zhang Ling He whose best historical role in my opinion is still Xi Wei in The Story of Kunning Palace , didn't show the same strength here . his character was introduced as a powerful and feared marquis but what was shown on screen didn’t fully match that image. his strength felt more like something that was told rather than shown . most of the time it was the female lead who stepped in, fought and saved the situation even against the strongest opponents creating a noticeable imbalance.
I don’t mean that the female lead overshadowed him , the issue lies in the lack of defining moments for him. he rarely gets scenes that truly highlight his strength or influence and at times he feels more like a supporting presence. even side characters including minor soldiers were given stronger and more impactful moments . it’s hard to say whether this comes from Zhang Ling He’s limitations in action scenes or from the writing but he doesn’t fully live up to how he was presented . I do hope his role in The Road to Glory with the same writer will be better.
Meanwhile Deng Kei delivered an outstanding performance as Qi Min. His character was psychologically complex and carefully written from his backstory to his motivations for revenge and even his family dynamics . His cold aura and strong presence made him one of the most compelling characters in the drama and I truly hope to see him in leading roles in the future.
The love story between Gongsun and Princess Shu was also beautiful and heartfelt. Personally I found their relationship more appealing than the second lead couple that gained more popularity .
As for Li Huai An portrayed by Ren Hao , his character was somewhat disappointing . he wasn’t given any significant moments to showcase intelligence or real impact on the storyline which made his presence feel underused.
Overall , the acting across the drama was strong and convincing with almost every character delivering a solid performance . The fight scenes were smooth and enjoyable especially those involving the female lead which added a lot to the viewing experience.
The direction was also impressive . I especially loved the visual atmosphere , the snowy settings contrasted beautifully with the warmth of the city creating a unique aesthetic that sometimes even felt reminiscent of Switzerland.
The soundtrack was another major strength . the music was beautifully composed and perfectly matched the tone of each scenewhether it was intense battle moments , emotional drama or romantic scenes enhancing the overall immersion and emotional depth of the story .
In the end Pursuit of Jade is a richly detailed and well written drama that successfully balances action , politics and romance despite some shortcomings in the male lead’s portrayal, the strength of the characters, performances and storytelling makes it a truly memorable and worthwhile watch.
meanwhile it’s almost always the female lead who steps in , fights and saves the situation even when facing the most powerful warriors . don’t get me wrong i genuinely love her fight scenes . TXW did an incredible job she’s convincing , graceful and strong . in fact she’s easily become one of my favorite female leads in historical cdramas. she’s so well written intelligent , capable and refreshing in a way that really stands out.
i just wish there were a bit more balance where we could also see the male lead truly showcase why he’s so feared on the battlefield instead of it being mostly implied through dialogue .
Tian Xiwei is doing a great job she’s a very natural actress who brings a lot of charm and authenticity to the female lead especially since the character isn’t written as unrealistically perfect and Zhang Linghe is very charismatic his presence and aura suit historical roles perfectly and it’s easy to believe him as a marquis.
There’s also a very interesting second couple whose dynamic adds depth and charm to the story making the whole drama even more engaging .
the story is brilliant on all levels, and I really hope viewers will appreciate it the way it deserves
for me, this is the best historical drama of the past two years.
I especially loved that the male lead is realistic , different from the typical ones we usually see , he isn’t skilled in martial arts just a simple, ordinary person who grows little by little as the story unfolds
she prev also shared she was referred to the nutrition dept to seek professional help she’s still on the road to recovery let’s be patient
Zhao Lusi : “i’ve gained 4kg, currently at 41kg and at my thinnest i was around 37kg.
right now i feel like i’m in a really good state, and haven’t been intentionally dieting just exercising normally.
after losing weight drastically the previous time, i didn’t think much of it initially and assumed it was due to my egg allergy. but even when i ate a lot a lot that day my weight still didn’t go up, and i also started feeling unwell. that’s when i realised something wasn’t right.”
https://x.com/youniebear/status/1883213794270499041
another translation
zhao lusi : "I didn't lose weight intentionally, I exercised like usual .
I thought it was due to my egg allergy but afterwards, when my weight still didn't increase despite eating a lot everyday, and when I started to feel physically unwell, I realised something was amiss"
https://x.com/wonwoncity/status/1883334812091707830
she prev also shared she was referred to the nutrition dept to seek professional help she’s still on the road to recovery let’s be patient
Zhao Lusi : “i’ve gained 4kg, currently at 41kg and at my thinnest i was around 37kg.
right now i feel like i’m in a really good state, and haven’t been intentionally dieting just exercising normally.
after losing weight drastically the previous time, i didn’t think much of it initially and assumed it was due to my egg allergy. but even when i ate a lot a lot that day my weight still didn’t go up, and i also started feeling unwell. that’s when i realised something wasn’t right.”
https://x.com/youniebear/status/1883213794270499041
another translation
zhao lusi : "I didn't lose weight intentionally, I exercised like usual .
I thought it was due to my egg allergy but afterwards, when my weight still didn't increase despite eating a lot everyday, and when I started to feel physically unwell, I realised something was amiss"
https://x.com/wonwoncity/status/1883334812091707830
she prev also shared she was referred to the nutrition dept to seek professional help she’s still on the road to recovery let’s be patient
Zhao Lusi : “i’ve gained 4kg, currently at 41kg and at my thinnest i was around 37kg.
right now i feel like i’m in a really good state, and haven’t been intentionally dieting just exercising normally.
after losing weight drastically the previous time, i didn’t think much of it initially and assumed it was due to my egg allergy. but even when i ate a lot a lot that day my weight still didn’t go up, and i also started feeling unwell. that’s when i realised something wasn’t right.”
https://x.com/youniebear/status/1883213794270499041
another translation
zhao lusi : "I didn't lose weight intentionally, I exercised like usual .
I thought it was due to my egg allergy but afterwards, when my weight still didn't increase despite eating a lot everyday, and when I started to feel physically unwell, I realised something was amiss"
https://x.com/wonwoncity/status/1883334812091707830
sharing some heartwarming comments from Zhao lusi ' s douyin post 💜
[347k likes] even while being sick, she still faces the camera with a smile 🥹
[97k likes] lusi posting this pic after being sick means she’s getting better, the sun is out and our little sunshine is coming back
[610k likes] you’re really super amazing quickly get well soon! 🫂
[170k likes] actually, in this moment, you looked really beautiful 🥹
ㄴ [18k likes] truly stunning, when her look was first revealed i was absolutely blown away by how beautiful she looked 🥹
[23k likes] little girl, i’m an almost 40yo uncle, and in the past few years, i’ve gone through a failed entrepreneurship, a broken marriage, and experienced one of the lowest points in my life. i used to think of walking away without looking back and leave this world, but i held on. now every day is a gift from heaven, and i believe everything is in its best arrangement.
i’m not your fan, just one of the millions of strangers who doesn’t want to see you trapped in darkness. i hope you will recover quickly and step out of the shadows. we’re all waiting for your return. in the future, i want to see you at every lunar new year gala jia you! 👏🫂🙏
ㄴ thank you uncle happy new year 🙏
ㄴ thank you uncle may you encounter kind people from now on
155k likes] amu ah, truly the best amu 😭😭😭
[112k likes] it seems like her dog is also worried and sad for her
[54k likes] having friends like them is truly a blessing
[166k likes] after seeing this, i couldn’t hold it in anymore 😢
https://x.com/youniebear/status/1875072418278187186
Weibo is full of water armies and paid negative posts. It has been exposed that water armies were paying 5 Yuan ($.68) per post to spread malicious rumors and lies about Lusi. Recently Weibo has banned more than 800 accounts and cleaned up more than 10K illegal contents for malicious speculation, attacks, and smears. https://x.com/ariesnarien/status/1875208613184368735
sharing some heartwarming comments from Zhao lusi ' s douyin post 💜
[347k likes] even while being sick, she still faces the camera with a smile 🥹
[97k likes] lusi posting this pic after being sick means she’s getting better, the sun is out and our little sunshine is coming back
[610k likes] you’re really super amazing quickly get well soon! 🫂
[170k likes] actually, in this moment, you looked really beautiful 🥹
ㄴ [18k likes] truly stunning, when her look was first revealed i was absolutely blown away by how beautiful she looked 🥹
[23k likes] little girl, i’m an almost 40yo uncle, and in the past few years, i’ve gone through a failed entrepreneurship, a broken marriage, and experienced one of the lowest points in my life. i used to think of walking away without looking back and leave this world, but i held on. now every day is a gift from heaven, and i believe everything is in its best arrangement.
i’m not your fan, just one of the millions of strangers who doesn’t want to see you trapped in darkness. i hope you will recover quickly and step out of the shadows. we’re all waiting for your return. in the future, i want to see you at every lunar new year gala jia you! 👏🫂🙏
ㄴ thank you uncle happy new year 🙏
ㄴ thank you uncle may you encounter kind people from now on
155k likes] amu ah, truly the best amu 😭😭😭
[112k likes] it seems like her dog is also worried and sad for her
[54k likes] having friends like them is truly a blessing
[166k likes] after seeing this, i couldn’t hold it in anymore 😢
https://x.com/youniebear/status/1875072418278187186
LiuYuning : if you think about it, my haters must somewhat love me. If you truly hated someone, you wouldn't even want to see them. But my haters watch all my stuff, listen to everything I say to find my flaws, so they must still somewhat love me. So no need to K1ll them, ok!!
https://x.com/fandoestrans/status/1853044674443067462