Now Airing — Episode 18 Today

Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 · Zhú Yù

The hit 2026 Chinese historical romance drama. A butcher's daughter. A fallen noble. A fake marriage that ignites a love worth fighting a war for.

⭐ 9.1 / 10 📺 40 Episodes 📅 Mar 6 – 30, 2026 🌏 Netflix · iQIYI · WeTV
9.1
MDL Score
21K+
Watchers
8.6
IMDb Rating
30K
Tencent Index
EP 18 / 40
Airing Today · March 13, 2026
45% Complete · 22 episodes remaining · Final: March 30
Full Schedule →

Browse the Guide by Language

Core localized entry pages are live for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Spanish, and Arabic. Additional search-market languages now have dedicated landing pages and hreflang coverage.

All 40 Episodes

Click any episode to read the recap, key scenes, and notable quotes. New episodes drop daily at 6 PM CST (two per day).

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Aired Airing Today Upcoming

Stream Pursuit of Jade

Available globally on multiple platforms with English, Thai, Bahasa, Korean, and more subtitle options.

🔴
Netflix
Global simulcast · English subs · All regions (varies)
Recommended
🟢
iQIYI
Official source · Multi-language subs · VIP early access
Original
🔵
WeTV
SEA regions · Thai/ID/VN subs · Free with ads
Free Tier
🟡
Tencent Video
China mainland · Original broadcast · Highest quality
CN Only

Also available on iflix in select regions. Episodes simulcast daily at 6 PM CST / 6 AM ET / 11 AM GMT.

Meet the Characters of Pursuit of Jade

The key players in the political intrigue and romance of the Dayin Dynasty.

⚔️
Xie Zheng
谢征 · Marquis Wu'an · Aliases: Yan Zheng, Xie Jiu Heng
Played by Zhang Linghe (张凌赫)
A fallen noble and heir to the Wu'an Marquis household. After his family was destroyed in a massacre 17 years ago, he lives under a false identity seeking revenge. Behind a composed exterior hides a ruthless strategist and a man slowly learning to love.
🔪
Fan Changyu
范长玉 · The Butcher's Daughter
Played by Tian Xiwei (田曦薇)
A strong-willed butcher's daughter who can stun a pig with a single slap. Orphaned and raising her young sister alone, she enters a marriage of convenience with a mysterious wounded stranger. Practical, brave, and fiercely loyal.
🏪
Yu Qianqian
俞千千 · Restaurant Owner
Played by Snow Kong / Kong Xueer (孔雪儿)
Owner of the Yixiang Restaurant and Changyu's closest friend. A resourceful woman hiding a surprising secret — in the novel, she's a transmigrator from the future. Her bond with Changyu anchors many of the story's warmest moments.
🌾
Qi Min
齐珉 · Rice Merchant from the Capital
Played by Deng Kai (邓凯)
A powerful and enigmatic figure whose pursuit of Yu Qianqian entangles him in the larger political drama. His charismatic yet intimidating presence has made him one of the most-discussed characters among fans.
📚
Gongsun Yin
公孙吟 · Academy Headmaster
Played by Li Qing (李庆)
Headmaster of Liu Yuan Academy of Heijian and Xie Zheng's loyal sworn brother. A scholarly figure who provides both counsel and support in the fight for justice, representing loyalty and brotherhood.
👑
Li Huai'an
李怀安 · Wen Kan
Played by Ren Hao (任豪)
A nobleman at the center of the political world, tied to powerful families yet personally close to Xie Zheng. His hidden feelings for Fan Changyu create a quiet emotional tension that adds depth to the love story.
View All 134 Cast Members →

Character Relationship Map

Navigate the complex web of alliances, rivalries, and romances. Hover over any character to see their connections.

❤️ Marriage → True Love
🔪
Fan Changyu
Female Lead
⚔️
Xie Zheng
Male Lead
📚
Gongsun Yin
Sworn Brother
Wei Yan
Prime Minister
🏪
Yu Qianqian
Best Friend
👑
Li Huai'an
Nobleman

The Stars Behind Pursuit of Jade

A powerhouse ensemble led by two of C-drama's brightest rising stars.

Main Cast

🌟

Zhang Linghe (张凌赫)

as Xie Zheng — Male Lead
Known for: Love Between Fairy and Devil, Story of Kunning Palace
🌟

Tian Xiwei (田曦薇)

as Fan Changyu — Female Lead
Known for: New Life Begins, Romance on the Farm

Snow Kong / Kong Xueer (孔雪儿)

as Yu Qianqian
Known for: The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

Deng Kai (邓凯)

as Qi Min
Rising star in period dramas

Supporting Cast

🎭

Ren Hao (任豪)

as Li Huai'an / Wen Kan
R1SE member turned actor
🎭

Li Qing (李庆)

as Gongsun Yin
Academy Headmaster
🎭

Liu Lin (刘琳)

as Madam Zhao
Veteran actress
🎭

Yan Yikuan (严屹宽)

as Wei Yan
The Prime Minister

The Story of Pursuit of Jade

In the fictional Dayin Dynasty, Fan Changyu is a butcher's daughter orphaned by bandits, left to raise her five-year-old sister alone. When greedy relatives threaten to seize her family home, she realizes her only option under the law is to take a husband into her household through a matrilocal marriage.


During a snowstorm, she rescues a mysterious, gravely wounded man — Xie Zheng, the fallen heir of the prestigious Wu'an Marquis household, whose entire family was slaughtered in a political purge 17 years ago. Now living under a false name, he agrees to a sham marriage with Changyu while secretly plotting revenge against those who destroyed his clan.


What begins as a marriage of pure convenience gradually blossoms into genuine love. But as Xie Zheng's true identity surfaces and political conspiracies unravel, their love is tested by war, betrayal, and forces far larger than either of them imagined.

⚠️ Show Spoiler-Heavy Synopsis (Novel-based) →

War erupts and separates the couple. Fan Changyu takes her butcher's knife to the battlefield, searching for her husband and justice. Meanwhile, Xie Zheng reclaims his title as the Iron-Blooded Marquis, fighting to protect his country and uncover the truth behind the massacre. The conspiracy leads to the highest levels of power, involving the late emperor's schemes to suppress the Qi military family. Ultimately, the couple reunites on the battlefield, standing together to defy fate and reveal the truth.

Episode Schedule & Airing Calendar

Two episodes air daily at 6:00 PM CST (Beijing Time). Netflix/WeTV simulcast with English subtitles.

DateEpisodesDayStatus
Mar 6EP 1 – 2ThursdayAired
Mar 7EP 3 – 4FridayAired
Mar 8EP 5 – 6SaturdayAired
Mar 9EP 7 – 8SundayAired
Mar 10EP 9 – 10MondayAired
Mar 11EP 11, 12, 13TuesdayAired
Mar 12EP 14 – 15, 16, 17WednesdayAired
Mar 13EP 18 – 19ThursdayToday!
Mar 14EP 20 – 21FridayUpcoming
Mar 15EP 22 – 23SaturdayUpcoming
... continues daily through March 30 (EP 40 Finale)

Novel vs. Drama: Key Differences

Adapted from the web novel "Zhu Yu" (逐玉) by Tuan Zi Lai Xi (团子来袭), published on JJWXC. Here's how they compare.

Novel
Fan Changyu is 16 years old, emphasizing her youth and vulnerability as she navigates adult responsibilities.
VS
Drama
The character appears older, consistent with the adult actors. The age dynamics are adjusted for screen.
Novel
Yu Qianqian is explicitly revealed as a transmigrator from the modern era, adding a unique sci-fi element to the historical setting.
VS
Drama
This element may be toned down or presented more subtly in the drama adaptation. Wait for later episodes to confirm.
Novel
The political intrigue is deeply layered, with the mastermind behind the massacre rooted in the late emperor's paranoia about the Qi military family's power.
VS
Drama
The drama stays largely faithful but streamlines some political threads for pacing. Early episodes suggest close adaptation of core plot.

📖 Novel available at JJWXC (Chinese) · English fan translations on MyDramaNovel

Pursuit of Jade OST (Original Soundtrack)

Featuring compositions by JJ Lin, Zhang Bichen, Yisa Yu, and more. The theme song became an instant hit.

01

Theme Song (主题曲)

JJ Lin (林俊杰) · Lyrics by Vincent Fang (方文山)
Released Feb 27, 2026 · Composed by JJ Lin
02

众里寻他千百度 — Finding You Among Thousands

Zhang Bichen (张碧晨)
Released Mar 6, 2026 · Lyrics adapted from Xin Qiji's poem
03

OST Part 3

Yisa Yu (郁可唯)
Released Mar 8, 2026
04

OST Part 4

Huang Xiaoyun (黄霄雲)
Released Mar 10, 2026 · Composed by Dong Dong Dong

🎵 Listen on Spotify · More OST tracks releasing as the drama airs

Memorable Quotes with Chinese & English

Classic dialogue and cultural references that define the drama's emotional heart.

「众里寻他千百度,蓦然回首,那人却在灯火阑珊处。」
Searching for her a thousand times in the crowd — suddenly turning back, there she stands, in the dim lamplight.
— From Xin Qiji's poem, adapted in the OST
「你就像一块羊脂美玉,是我在雪地里捡到的。」
You're like a piece of fine mutton-fat jade that I found in the snow.
— Fan Changyu about Xie Zheng
「我这个人,从来不欠别人的。」
I never leave debts unpaid.
— Xie Zheng

Character Name Pronunciation Guide

Struggling with Chinese names? Here's how to pronounce every major character's name, with pinyin and meaning.

谢征
Xiè Zhēng
Shee-eh Jung
谢 = gratitude · 征 = to march/conquer
范长玉
Fàn Cháng Yù
Fahn Chahng Yoo
范 = model · 长 = long/eldest · 玉 = jade
俞千千
Yú Qiān Qiān
Yoo Chee-en Chee-en
俞 = consent · 千 = thousand
齐珉
Qí Mín
Chee Min
齐 = equal/orderly · 珉 = stone resembling jade
公孙吟
Gōngsūn Yín
Gong-sun Yin
公孙 = compound surname · 吟 = to chant
李怀安
Lǐ Huái Ān
Lee Hwhy Ahn
李 = plum · 怀 = cherish · 安 = peace
韦彦
Wéi Yàn
Way Yen
韦 = leather/surname · 彦 = accomplished scholar
逐玉
Zhú Yù
Joo Yoo
逐 = to pursue/chase · 玉 = jade — "Pursuit of Jade"

Latest Episode Recaps & Analysis

Detailed summaries with key scenes, easter eggs, and cultural context for each episode.

Episodes 16–17
A Deeper Whirlpool
Xie Zheng and Changyu are drawn into increasingly dangerous political entanglements. Qi Min's true intentions become clearer as the rice trade reveals deeper conspiracies...
Episodes 14–15
The Investigation Deepens
Fan Changyu uncovers clues about her parents' hidden past while Xie Zheng reconnects with allies in the capital. The couple's bond is tested by mounting secrets...
Episodes 11–13
Changyu in Danger
Fan Changyu faces mortal danger, but Xie Zheng arrives just in time. His explosive rage reveals the depth of his feelings, while new players enter the game...

What Audiences Are Saying

9.1

MyDramaList

Scored by 2,889 users · Ranked #18 All-Time

8.6

IMDb

219 ratings · Drama / Romance

9.9

iQIYI

30,224 ratings · #1 Hot Dramas

★★★★★

Highly praised by international fans for its production quality, chemistry between the leads, compelling political intrigue layered with genuine romance, and stunning cinematography. Reddit and social media communities describe it as the first true hit drama of 2026, achieving an unprecedented "Dual Platform Hall of Fame" milestone on both iQIYI and Tencent Video.

Production & Crew

Production Info

Director: Zeng Qingjie (曾庆杰) — known for Provoke, Blossom
Screenwriter: Zou Yue (邹越) — known for Love Like the Galaxy
Original Novel: Tuan Zi Lai Xi (团子来袭) on JJWXC
Producers: iQIYI, Tencent Video, Haohan Entertainment
Co-Producer: Alliance of Gods Pictures (联盟神话), Chunfeng Picture Culture (春风画面)
Filming Period: Dec 15, 2024 – Apr 22, 2025
Episodes: 40 × 45 min
Content Rating: TV-14 (Netflix) / 13+ (MDL)

Records & Milestones

🏆 Dual Platform Hall of Fame: First drama to hit 10K heat on iQIYI and 30K on Tencent simultaneously
🚀 Fastest to 23K: Broke Tencent's record by reaching 23,000 heat index within 15 minutes of premiere
🌍 Netflix Global: Trending in multiple Southeast Asian countries on launch day
📊 Guduo Popularity Index: Quickly climbed to top ranking
📚 Copyright Protection: Listed in China's 2026 First Batch Key Works Copyright Protection Warning List

Dramas Similar to Pursuit of Jade

Based on shared themes: fake-to-real marriage, strong female lead, historical romance, political intrigue, and revenge arcs.

Story of Kunning Palace
2023 · Zhang Linghe
💎 Same male lead · Political intrigue
Love Like the Galaxy
2022 · Same screenwriter Zou Yue
📝 Same writer · Historical romance
New Life Begins
2022 · Tian Xiwei
🌟 Same female lead · Marriage plot
Love Between Fairy and Devil
2022 · Zhang Linghe
🌟 Same male lead · Fantasy romance
The Story of Ming Lan
2018
⚔️ Smart FL · Political drama
Romance on the Farm
2024 · Tian Xiwei
🌟 Same FL · Slice of life + romance
The Sword and The Brocade
2021
💍 Marriage of convenience · Period
Provoke
2023 · Same director Zeng Qingjie
🎬 Same director · Visual style

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Pursuit of Jade have?
Pursuit of Jade has 40 episodes total, each approximately 45 minutes long. It airs daily with 2 episodes per day from March 6 to March 30, 2026.
Where can I watch Pursuit of Jade with English subtitles?
You can watch with English subtitles on Netflix (global), iQIYI International, and WeTV. Netflix offers the most accessible option for most viewers. WeTV also has a free tier with ads.
Is Pursuit of Jade based on a novel?
Yes! It's adapted from the web novel "Zhu Yu" (逐玉) by Tuan Zi Lai Xi (团子来袭), published on JJWXC. English fan translations are available on MyDramaNovel.com. The drama stays largely faithful to the source material.
What time do new episodes release?
New episodes release daily at 6:00 PM CST (China Standard Time), which is 6:00 AM ET / 3:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM GMT. Netflix and WeTV simulcast shortly after.
Does Pursuit of Jade have a happy ending?
Based on the novel: yes! The novel has a happy ending (HE) for the main couple. Without major spoilers, Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu reunite and face their challenges together. The drama is expected to follow the novel closely.
Who are Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei?
Zhang Linghe is a rising C-drama star born in 1997, known for "Love Between Fairy and Devil" and "Story of Kunning Palace." Tian Xiwei, also born in 1997, is known for "New Life Begins" and "Romance on the Farm." This is their first collaboration.
What does "Pursuit of Jade" (逐玉) mean?
逐 (zhú) means "to pursue/chase" and 玉 (yù) means "jade." The title is a poetic reference — Fan Changyu's name contains the character for jade (玉), and the story is literally about Xie Zheng pursuing her. Jade also symbolizes virtue and nobility in Chinese culture.
Is Pursuit of Jade available in my country?
The drama is widely available: Netflix (most regions globally), iQIYI International, WeTV (especially strong in Southeast Asia), and iflix. Availability may vary — check each platform for your region.

Understanding the Culture in Pursuit of Jade

Key historical and cultural concepts that enrich your viewing experience.

🏠 Matrilocal Marriage (入赘 Rùzhuì)

A marriage arrangement where the husband moves into the wife's family home rather than the reverse. Historically less common and sometimes stigmatized, it was a way for families without male heirs to preserve their household. This is central to Changyu's plot — she needs a matrilocal husband to keep her family home under law.

🪨 Jade Symbolism in Chinese Culture

Jade (玉 yù) represents virtue, purity, grace, and nobility in Chinese culture. It's considered more precious than gold. Changyu literally has "jade" in her name. The title "Pursuit of Jade" works on multiple levels — pursuing the person, pursuing virtue, and pursuing justice.

⚔️ The Marquis System (侯爵 Hóujué)

Xie Zheng's title "Marquis Wu'an" places him in the nobility system of imperial China. The Wu'an title historically refers to military achievement. His family's fall mirrors real historical purges where emperors eliminated powerful military families they feared.

📜 The Dayin Dynasty (大尹)

The drama is set in the fictional Dayin Dynasty, though it draws inspiration from various historical periods. The political system, court structures, and social norms are composite representations of Chinese imperial history, particularly the Ming and Song dynasties.

Key Events in Pursuit of Jade (Spoiler-Free)

17 Years Before: The Wu'an Marquis household is destroyed in a political massacre. Young Xie Zheng survives.
EP 1–2: Fan Changyu rescues a wounded stranger in a snowstorm. They strike a deal for a marriage of convenience.
EP 3–6: The couple navigates small-town life, greedy relatives, and growing mutual respect. Xie Zheng's skills hint at his true identity.
EP 7–10: New characters arrive, including the mysterious rice merchant Qi Min. Yu Qianqian's backstory deepens.
EP 11–17: Political conspiracies intensify. Changyu faces danger. Xie Zheng's protective instincts reveal his deepening feelings.
EP 18+ (Airing Now): The story expands beyond the small town as the couple is drawn into larger conflicts...

Join the Pursuit of Jade Fan Community

Connect with fellow fans, share theories, and discuss each episode.

💬

Reddit

r/CDrama — Active episode discussions with 280+ comments per thread

Join Discussion →
📱

MyDramaList

21,000+ watchers tracking the show. Rate episodes, write reviews, create lists.

View on MDL →
🐦

X / Twitter

Follow #PursuitOfJade for fan art, clips, memes, and live reactions.

View on X →

Which Pursuit of Jade Character Are You?

Take our fun personality quiz to find your C-drama soulmate from the Dayin Dynasty.

When faced with injustice, you would...

🔪 Grab your knife and handle it yourself
⚔️ Plan a careful revenge over years
📚 Use knowledge and strategy
🏪 Quietly support from behind the scenes

The full interactive quiz is live now. Open the quiz tool →

Pursuit of Jade Wallpapers & Aesthetics

Free ancient-Chinese-inspired aesthetic wallpapers and phone backgrounds for fans.

❄️
Snowstorm Meeting
Desktop 1920×1080
🏮
Lantern Festival
Phone 1080×2400
🗡️
Battlefield Reunion
Desktop 2560×1440
🪷
Jade Calligraphy
Phone 1080×2400

AI-generated wallpapers in the aesthetic style of the drama. Coming soon with our wallpaper generator tool!

Latest Pursuit of Jade News

March 12, 2026
Pursuit of Jade Achieves Dual Platform Hall of Fame Status
The drama hits 10K heat on iQIYI and 30K on Tencent simultaneously — a first in C-drama history, marking it as the undisputed biggest hit of 2026 so far.
March 10, 2026
Zhang Linghe Apologizes for Hello Saturday Remark
The actor issued an apology for a controversial comment made during a variety show appearance promoting the drama, sparking discussion among Southeast Asian fans.
March 8, 2026
Pursuit of Jade Trends #1 on Netflix in Multiple SEA Countries
The simulcast strategy pays off as the drama quickly climbs Netflix charts in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
March 6, 2026
Premiere Day: Record-Breaking 23K Heat in 15 Minutes
Pursuit of Jade broke the 2026 record for fastest drama to reach the 23,000 heat index on Tencent Video, achieving the milestone in just 15 minutes.

Pursuit of Jade in Numbers

40

Total Episodes

134

Cast Members

30K

Tencent Heat Index

5

Streaming Platforms

Filming Locations & Cinematography

Directed by Zeng Qingjie, known for his visually striking period dramas. Filmed from December 2024 to April 2025 across historical sets and natural landscapes in China.

The drama is praised for its exceptional cinematography with sweeping shots of snow-covered landscapes, intimate courtyard scenes, and epic battlefield sequences. Director Zeng Qingjie brings his signature visual storytelling style from his earlier mini-series work, successfully transitioning it to a longer format. The production team, including VFX Director Guan Mingjie and Costume Designer Bo Lei, created a visually cohesive world that blends historical authenticity with cinematic flair.

The Team Behind Pursuit of Jade

🎬 Zeng Qingjie — Director

Built his reputation through popular mini-series (Provoke, A Familiar Stranger, Butterflied Lover). Successfully transitioned into long format with Blossom. His visual storytelling style defines the drama's cinematic quality.

📝 Zou Yue — Screenwriter

Known for Love Like the Galaxy and The Rise of the Phoenix. Her ability to weave political complexity with emotional depth makes Pursuit of Jade's script particularly compelling. Also wrote Coroner's Diary.

📖 Tuan Zi Lai Xi — Novelist

Author of the original web novel "Zhu Yu" (逐玉) on JJWXC. Praised for creating nuanced characters where even villains have understandable motivations. Zhang Linghe will also star in her second novel adaptation, The Road to Glory.

The Original Novel: Zhu Yu (逐玉)

📚 Novel Details

Title: 逐玉 (Zhu Yu / Chasing Jade)
Author: Tuan Zi Lai Xi (团子来袭)
Platform: JJWXC (晋江文学城)
Genre: Historical Romance, Political Intrigue
Chapters: 163+ chapters + side stories
Rating: Highly rated on NovelUpdates
Status: Complete

💬 Reader Reviews

"One of the best in its category for character development. All protagonists are flawed humans, and all villains have understandable motivations. The politicking is complex but well-written."


"Fan Changyu is an absolute delight — super strong, practical, and has no cheat abilities. She's just a 16-year-old girl doing her best. The romance between her and Xie Zheng is beautifully developed."


Sources: NovelUpdates reviews

Historical Terms Glossary

Key Chinese terms you'll encounter while watching Pursuit of Jade.

侯爷
Hóuyé — Marquis
A noble title. Xie Zheng's hereditary title is Wu'an Marquis (武安侯).
入赘
Rùzhuì — Matrilocal Marriage
When a husband marries into his wife's family and takes her surname or lives in her household.
太子
Tàizǐ — Crown Prince
The heir apparent to the throne. Central to the political conspiracy in the drama.
相爷
Xiàngyé — Prime Minister
The highest-ranking minister. Wei Yan holds this position in the drama.
衙门
Yámén — Government Office
The local government office where legal disputes are settled. Important in early episodes.
和离书
Hélí Shū — Separation Letter
A mutual divorce document. Changyu initially planned to write one once her family was stable.
血仇
Xuè Chóu — Blood Feud
A generational vendetta requiring vengeance. Xie Zheng's 17-year blood feud drives the plot.

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