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Fun Facts and Character Spotlights: The Male Cast Who Stole Our Hearts in the Hit C-Drama Pursuit of Jade

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Lance Joseph Martinez

<p>Like many fans around the world, we’re still riding the <em>kilig</em> high from the global hit Chinese drama <strong><em>Pursuit of Jade</em></strong>, which recently made waves in the Philippines.</p><p>Released in March, the series follows the story of <strong>Xie Zheng </strong>and <strong>Fan Changyu</strong>, portrayed by <a href="https://metro.style/people/2026/4/9/get-to-know-chinese-actor-zhang-linghe-0600"><strong>Zhang Linghe</strong></a><strong> </strong>and<strong> </strong><a href="https://metro.style/people/2026/4/13/10-must-know-facts-about-tian-xiwei-breakout-star-of-trending-cdrama-pursuit-of-jade-1620"><strong>Tian Xiwei</strong>.</a> Beneath his delicate and sickly exterior, Xie Zheng is actually the Marquis of Wu’an, carrying the weight of a brutal family massacre and a long-standing quest for vengeance.</p><div style="text-align:center"> </div><div><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0_c62q-bO6o?si=StU1qZDZd8qRVUH_" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://metro.style/people/2026/4/16/what-pursuit-of-jade-stars-zhang-linghe-and-tian-xiwei-have-in-common-0140" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>What &#x27;Pursuit of Jade&#x27; Stars Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei Have in Common</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>In contrast, Fan Changyu is a fierce and determined butcher with extraordinary strength, who enters a matrilocal marriage with the down-on-his-luck marquis to safeguard her family’s livelihood.</p><p>While their slow-burn romance kept viewers invested until the very end, the series’ roster of compelling male characters also played a huge part in its appeal. From <strong>Zhang Linghe </strong>to<strong> Deng Kai</strong>,<strong> Ren Hao</strong>,<strong> Li Qing</strong>,<strong> Lin Mu Ran</strong>,<strong> </strong>and<strong> Guan Yunpeng</strong>, <strong></strong>each brought undeniable charm and depth that left audiences completely hooked.</p><p>With that, <strong>here’s a closer look at the male characters who captured our hearts in the hit C-drama <em>Pursuit of Jade.</em></strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Zhang Linghe</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776311644003[image] - 7409430.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @chopard</span></span></span> </strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWVkI8AgKzp/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=810&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A1142909.1999999955%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="611" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>On-screen: </strong>Xie Zheng appears as a frail, sickly scholar, but is actually the Marquis of Wu’an hiding his true identity. Haunted by his family’s massacre, he secretly investigates the tragedy and plots revenge while maintaining the guise of Fan Changyu’s contract husband in the city.</p><p><strong>Off-screen: </strong>Zhang Linghe, born on December 30, 1997, in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, is a Chinese film and television actor. He graduated from <strong>Nanjing Normal University.</strong></p><p><strong>Fun fact: </strong>Outside of acting, he enjoys sci-fi and mystery films, gaming, and hands-on building activities, reflecting his engineering background.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Deng Kai</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177631225203210e81c72ea.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Viki</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWf1LmyAgwH/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=810&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1051745.599999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="611" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>On-screen: </strong>Deng Kai plays Qi Min / Sui Yuanhuai, a complex antagonist often described as a “walking red flag” due to his obsessive and controlling personality. Despite his dark traits, he remains a fan favorite thanks to his intense chemistry with the female lead, <strong>Kong Xueer</strong>.</p><p><strong>Off-screen:</strong> Born on February 8, 1995, in Dalian, Liaoning Province, Deng Kai is a Chinese film and television actor and a graduate of the <strong>Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts.</strong></p><p><strong>Fun fact: </strong>In 2021, he served as a Sunshine Care Reading Ambassador, joining a literacy initiative that promotes reading among children in rural communities.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Ren Hao</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776312413513Ren_Hao.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Viki</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWs_VqXlEuo/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=810&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A1246043%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>On-screen: </strong>Li Huaian, portrayed by Ren Hao, is a key supporting male character in the series. Coming from a prestigious family, he is well-versed in both literature and martial arts, adding depth and strength to the story’s ensemble cast.</p><p><strong>Off-screen: </strong>Ren Hao is a Chinese singer and actor. He is a member of the male group<strong> ZERO-G </strong>and a former member of<strong> R1SE.</strong></p><p><strong>Fun fact:</strong> Despite initially lacking training in singing and dancing, he overcame early setbacks through persistence and was eventually given a second chance that helped launch his idol career.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Li Qing</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17763124584919e3df8dcd100baa1cd118a2bf45cae12c8fcc3ce8044_3_4.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Viki</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWycLxgEknI/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=810&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A1438069.599999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>On-screen: </strong>Li Qing portrays Gongsun Yin, a composed, loyal, and highly disciplined scholar who serves as the Headmaster of Liu Yuan Academy and a trusted advisor to Xie Zheng. Despite his calm demeanor, he also finds himself entangled in a forbidden romance with Qi Shu, adding emotional depth to his character.</p><p><strong>Off-screen: </strong>Born on December 13, 2000, in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, Li Qing is currently an acting student at the <strong>Beijing Film Academy</strong>, Class of 2020.</p><p><strong>Fun fact: </strong>He had long dreamed of becoming an actor. After initially falling short in his entrance exams in 2018, he retook them the following year—and later gained early online attention for his visuals on short-video platforms, which helped him gain industry recognition.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Lin Mu Ran</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776312512043Lin-Muran-1.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from CPOP Home</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWTSwK9DFu7/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=810&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A1565911.599999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>On-screen: </strong>Lin Mu Ran takes on the role of Sui Yuancheng, a standout antagonist known for his volatile temper, arrogance, and unwavering loyalty to his own agenda, earning him the label of a true “red flag.”</p><p><strong>Off-screen: </strong>Born on October 20, 2005, in Beijing, Lin Mu Ran is a Chinese actor who began his career at a very young age.</p><p><strong>Fun fact: </strong>A former child star, Lin Mu Ran, made his acting debut in the family drama<em> Gold Marriage </em>under director Zheng Xiaolong. He went on to portray younger versions of characters in several series, including <em>Da Jing Men</em> and <em>Golden Wedding: Through Wind and Rain</em>, steadily building his presence in the industry from an early age.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Guan Yunpeng</strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776312548094Guan-Yunpeng-2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from CPOP Home</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWqupYxgbov/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=810&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A1666485.1999999955%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>On-screen: </strong>Guan Yunpeng brings to life Qi Sheng, the weak, timid, and often comedic “puppet emperor” installed on the throne by the powerful Chancellor Wei Yan. Constantly caught between rival court factions, Qi Sheng struggles to assert control, frequently relying on Wei Yan as he navigates palace politics. Though he had relatively few scenes in <em>Pursuit of Jade</em>, he made an impact with his acting. </p><p><strong>Off-screen: </strong>Guan Yunpeng is a Chinese film and television actor and host. Born on January 21, 1993, in Anyang City, Henan Province, he graduated from <strong>Henan University</strong> with a degree in <strong>Broadcasting and Hosting</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Fun fact: </strong>Back in 2020, Guan Yunpeng starred in the short drama series <em>The Ultimate Husband</em>, where his first video alone racked up an impressive 8.95 million views within a month. The viral success boosted his popularity on Bilibili, earning him the nicknames <strong>“Crooked Mouth God of War”</strong> and <strong>“Dragon King.”</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><em><strong>Pursuit of Jade </strong></em><strong>is available on Netflix.</strong><em></em><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from <strong>@official.wetv</strong></p>

<p>Beyond the romance, drama, and comedy, "Pursuit of Jade" is also powered by a compelling lineup of male characters whose charm and depth helped drive the series' global success.</p>

Beyond the romance, drama, and comedy, "Pursuit of Jade" is also powered by a compelling lineup of male characters whose charm and depth helped drive the series' global success.

Fun Facts: The Actors Who Stole Our Hearts in the Hit CDrama 'Pursuit of Jade'

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Fun Facts: The Actors Who Stole Our Hearts in the Hit CDrama 'Pursuit of Jade'

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published April 16, 2026 01:20 PM PHT

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Updated April 22, 2026 10:23 AM PHT

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Zhang Linghe

Deng Kai

Ren Hao

Li Qing

Lin Mu Ran

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