When it comes to historical romance dramas, many viewers brace for the same old tropes—fluffy Xianxia (仙侠) love stories with endless sugar-sweet moments. But a new series is shattering these expectations. "Chasing Jade First Trailer (逐玉), Tencent’s highly anticipated historical political revenge drama set to premiere in late 2025, introduces a fresh narrative: a butcher’s daughter wielding a cleaver on the battlefield, a fallen marquis drenched in blood seeking vengeance, and a fake marriage that blossoms into genuine devotion. This isn’t just another romance; it’s a bold reimagining of what historical love stories can be.
Zhang Linghe’s Warrior Makeover
For many, Zhang Linghe (张凌赫) remains etched in memory as Xie Wei (谢危), the calculating noble in Story of Kunning Palace (宁安如梦)—clad in snowy robes, his gaze sharp as a blade. But "Chasing Jade First Trailer" reveals a drastically different side of the actor. As Xie Zheng (谢征), his character delivers a visual knockout with a battle-scarred appearance: blood-stained armor, a gritty aura, and raw masculinity that radiates from every frame. Early set photos sent fans into a frenzy. Comments like “Is this a war god or a fairy?” and “Zhang Linghe’s historical costumes are my life!” flooded social media.
This transformation isn’t coincidental. Since gaining fame in My Journey to You (云之羽), Zhang has been carving his niche in historical roles. Yet Xie Zheng marks his most fitting role yet—not a celestial being floating above the mortal world, but a battle-hardened general. From a downcast marquis to a commanding leader, he masterfully portrays Xie Zheng’s growth. A standout moment? The scene where he “forges a sword with blood,” blending fragility and ferocity in a way that defines modern “yandere” aesthetics.
Tian Xiwei’s Butcher-to-General Evolution
Tian Xiwei (田曦薇) is also breaking boundaries. Known for sweet roles like Li Wei (李薇) in New Life Begins (卿卿日常), she now steps into Fan Changyu (樊长玉)—a butcher in "Chasing Jade First Trailer." The contrast is striking: an orphaned girl raising her sister, selling pork to survive, enduring a broken engagement, and fending off greedy relatives. This grounded character feels worlds apart from her usual bubbly persona.
What’s compelling isn’t just the role’s uniqueness, but how Tian brings it to life. She seamlessly transitions from a soft-spoken butcher in coarse cloth to a valiant general in battle armor. One scene that tugs at heartstrings? The battlefield reunion where Xie Zheng, covered in blood, hears Fan Changyu plead, “I butchered pigs to feed you—please stop fighting!” The raw emotion in that moment cuts deeper than any overly dramatic love confession.
Beyond Formulaic Romance
"Chasing Jade First Trailer" isn’t just riding on its leads’ charisma; it’s redefining historical romance tropes. Unlike shows relying on clumsy falls or forced sweet moments, this drama roots its love story in political intrigue and national loyalty. The result? Characters with depth, relationships that feel earned, and a plot that balances emotion with stakes bigger than just personal happiness.
Credit goes to director Zeng Qingjie (曾庆杰), whose past work on Blossom (九重紫) proved his knack for visually stunning, emotionally resonant scenes. "Chasing Jade First Trailer" continues this legacy with movie-grade production: real battlefield sets, intricately designed costumes, and armor for Tian Xiwei that blends beauty and fierceness. Supporting actors like Yan Yikuan (严屹宽) and Liu Lin (刘琳) add layers of tension, making every scene crackle with energy.
Today’s viewers demand more than cheap thrills—they want intelligent plots, high-quality production, and performances that feel real. "Chasing Jade First Trailer" hits these marks with its dual-protagonist growth arcs: neither a passive “love interest” nor a detached “domineering hero,” both Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu evolve through their own struggles. Their journey—from a forced marriage to a bond forged in war—feels authentic, unlike the “industrial candy” of overly manufactured romance.
While early trailers suggest some adjustments from the original novel (like toning down exaggerated tropes), the series’ focus on solid political intrigue and strong supporting casts (including veterans Yue Yang and Tan Kai) hints at a well-told story. In a crowded summer lineup, "Chasing Jade First Trailer" stands out—not just for its leads’ chemistry or sleek production, but for its bold attempt to redefine what a historical romance can be. As fans eagerly await its release, one question lingers: Could this be the drama that breaks free from the formulaic rut? With "Chasing Jade First Trailer," the answer might just be a resounding yes.
