6 historical romance C-dramas to check out if you love ‘Pursuit of Jade’

From a niche audience, C-dramas have risen in global popularity for their plot-driven storytelling, high-budget productions, and emotionally driven characters (without going way overboard). One of them is “Pursuit of Jade,” currently among the top 10 shows on Netflix Philippines. 

Based on the novel by Tuanzi Laixi, the 40-episode C-drama tells the story of a butcher’s daughter named Fan Chang Yu (Tian Xiwei) and former nobleman Zheng Xie (Zhang Linghe) who enter a fake marriage for their own gain until romance develops between them. War tears them apart, but it’s as if the heavens blessed their romance because they eventually reunite and restart their relationship.

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Imperfections aside, it’s clear why “Pursuit of Jade” is loved by global fans. One highlight is the chemistry between the leads. Fan and Zheng’s love story took time, but when they opened their hearts to each other, their longing stares, affectionate smiles, and effortless way of being in sync were enough to send viewers into a frenzy, and that doesn’t include the way they express their love. 

As Fan and Zheng’s romance reached its heart-fluttering conclusion, below are six historical C-dramas where love stands the test of time, political drama, and other outside forces.

‘Bu Bu Jing Xin’ (2011)

Cast: Cecilia Liu, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng, Yuan Hong, and Lin Gengxin

Number of episodes: 35

Perhaps one of the OG C-dramas that international fans loved (and loved to watch on different platforms), “Bu Bu Jing Xin” centers on Zhang Xiao waking up as her previous incarnation, Ma’ertai Ruoxi, after an accident. She finds herself in a love triangle with 14th Prince Yinzhen (Nicky Wu) and 10th Prince Yin’e (Ye Zuxin), both of whom are the sons of the Kangxi Emperor. She unwittingly becomes the cause of the deadly political tensions between the brothers, extending to their kin, leading to the deaths of the majority. 

If the plot rings a bell, “Bu Bu Jing Xin” was remade into Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” five years later.

‘The Story of Minglan’ (2018)

Cast: Zhao Liying, Feng Shaofeng, and Zhu Yilong

Number of episodes: 73

Born to a concubine, Wei Shuyi, and a fifth-rank officer, Sheng Minglan (Zhao Liying) is beautiful, intelligent, and has the makings of a perfect noblewoman—but she hides her best qualities to protect herself after witnessing her mother’s death. She grew up with her siblings, Hualan, Changbai, and Rulan, who were the victims of having concubine mothers as well. Minglan later marries Gu Tingye (Feng Shaofeng), whom she learns to love.

‘Are You the One’ (2024)

Cast: Zhang Wanyi and Wang Churan

Number of episodes: 40

Waking up from her injuries, the sharp-witted Liu Mian Tang (Wang Churan) accidentally mistakes Huai Yang Prince Cui Xing Zhou (Zhang Wanyi) as her husband. She has no memory of where she came from, yet she led her people to fight against evil forces before losing consciousness. Still, they are smart cookies in their own ways, figuring out Mian Tang’s roots and those who want to wreak havoc in their town.

‘Under the Power’ (2019)

Cast: Ren Jialun and Tan Songyun

Number of episodes: 55

Secret police officer Lu Yi (Ren Jialun) will have viewers screaming in frustration, but he eventually falls in love with Yuan Jinxia (Tan Songyun) in the 11th episode. The leads began with a cat-and-dog relationship, despite being forced to work together to help the government recover hundreds of silver taels. Later, Yi becomes hopelessly devoted to Jinxia, even allowing himself to be the target of her eventual revenge against the secret police.

‘The Prisoner of Beauty’ (2025)

Cast: Song Zu’er and Liu Yuning

Number of episodes: 36

Several years before the C-Drama’s storyline, Xiao Chao (Song Zu’er)’s grandfather betrayed Wei Shao (Liu Yuning)’s clan, leading to a bloody feud between them. Fast forward to Xiao Chao, who, despite being often praised for her beauty, decides to marry Wei Shao in hopes of putting an end to the feud. Their marriage also paved the way for rebuilding the Grand Canal and saving the Yanzhou Region, though they eventually fell in love.

‘Wonderland of Love’ (2023)

Cast: Xu Kai and Jing Tian

Number of episodes: 40

As powerful military figures, Li Ni (Xu Kai) and Jing Tian (Cui Lin) develop an obsession with discovering each other’s weaknesses on the battlefield. Their quick-witted banter and physical fights turn out to be a cover for their hidden attraction, until they eventually realize that the best way to restore peace is to be with each other.