When Zhang Linghe (张凌赫) was cast as Xie Zheng, the Marquis of Ningyang, he faced an unusual physical challenge. The character, as written in both the novel and the script, is described as gaunt, hollow-cheeked, and visibly weakened by years of illness and political persecution. At his natural weight of approximately 75 kilograms on a 186-centimeter frame, Zhang Linghe looked far too healthy for the role. His solution was dramatic: he lost roughly 15 kilograms over the course of several weeks, dropping to approximately 60 kilograms before filming began.
In interviews, Zhang Linghe described the weight loss process with characteristic understatement. His daily diet during the preparation period consisted primarily of boiled chicken breast, steamed vegetables, and small portions of brown rice — no sugar, no oil, no seasoning beyond salt. He reduced his caloric intake to approximately 800-1000 calories per day while maintaining a light exercise regimen to preserve basic muscle tone. He consumed large quantities of black coffee and water to manage hunger. By his own admission, the final weeks before filming were miserable: he was constantly cold, had difficulty sleeping, and experienced significant mood fluctuations.
The physical toll of the transformation is visible on screen in ways that makeup alone could never achieve. In the early episodes, Xie Zheng's collarbones protrude sharply beneath his robes, his wrists appear almost skeletal, and the hollows beneath his cheekbones create shadows that the cinematographer used to devastating effect. When Yu Qianqian first sees her new husband and recoils at his appearance, the audience's reaction mirrors hers — this is not the polished, handsome male lead they expected. It is a genuinely startling visual choice that immediately establishes the stakes of the story.
What makes the transformation particularly effective is its gradual reversal. As Yu Qianqian nurses Xie Zheng back to health through proper nutrition and care, Zhang Linghe slowly regained weight during filming. The production shot roughly in chronological order specifically to capture this progression. By the later episodes, Xie Zheng looks noticeably healthier — his face has filled out, his posture has straightened, and he moves with more confidence. This physical arc mirrors the emotional one: as Xie Zheng is healed by love and proper care, his body reflects his renewed will to live.
Zhang Linghe's commitment drew comparisons to Christian Bale's transformation for The Machinist and has been widely praised by both fans and industry professionals. His co-star Tian Xiwei revealed in a behind-the-scenes interview that she was genuinely worried about his health during the early weeks of filming. Zhang Linghe himself has said he would not repeat such an extreme transformation, acknowledging that the weight loss pushed his body to its limits. His performance in Pursuit of Jade has been recognized as a turning point in his career — the moment he transitioned from idol actor to serious dramatic performer.