Historical drama Zhu Yu has taken over the streaming charts, with Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei emerging as one of the hottest on-screen couples of the moment. The series quickly surpassed platforms like Netflix and iQIYI, fueled by its intense palace intrigue and emotional romance set in a turbulent era.
“Fans are already asking for a sequel in another life or parallel universe,” reflecting the extraordinary popularity of the drama and viewers’ strong attachment to the story.
Adapted from a novel by Jinjiang Literature City author Yi Zhi Tuan Zi Lai Xi, the drama’s success is also driven by the explosive chemistry between the leads, earning them the nickname “Tian Zuo Zhi He CP” (a match made in heaven). Their romantic plot, which combines sweetness and tragedy, has sparked a huge wave of discussion online.
However, in addition to the drama’s success, casting rumors have reignited public interest, particularly involving Bai Lu. Reports suggest that Bai Lu was originally considered the female lead, but ultimately turned down the role.
The reasons behind his decision remain unclear, but multiple theories have emerged. One statement indicates disagreements over the billing order, while another suggests he intentionally avoided the project due to past dating rumors with Zhang Linghe.
“It is logical that a famous actress like Bai Lu would care about the rankings,” some netizens argued, while others implied, “Who knows, knows,” fueling speculation about personal factors behind the decision.
Zhang Linghe’s growing popularity has further intensified the discussion. Since the drama’s release, she has reportedly gained over 3.2 million new followers, with fans revisiting rumors about her past relationships with Bai Lu, especially following their collaboration in Story of Kunning Palace. The couple was once nicknamed “Bai Nian Hao He CP”, and their off-screen interactions attracted a lot of attention at the time.
Although breakup rumors between the two surfaced in 2024, their awkward interaction during a 2026 awards event—where Bai Lu appeared to avoid eye contact—only added fuel to ongoing speculation about their relationship status.
Meanwhile, Bai Lu Tang’s drama Palace Mystery Case aired around the same time as Zhu Yu, creating a direct comparison between the two productions. Although his performance received praise, Zhu Yu ultimately gained greater buzz and a wider audience reach, further amplifying discussions over his alleged decision to turn down the role.
If the rumors are true, the casting change ultimately opened the door for Tian Xiwei, who moved away from her usual “sweet girl” image to take on a more down-to-earth character. His performance, including the viral line “I’ll raise pigs to support you”, became one of the drama’s most memorable moments.
As debates continue, the casting controversy surrounding Zhu Yu highlights the complex dynamics of the entertainment industry, where career decisions, public image and personal relationships often intersect in unexpected ways.
Sources: Yahoo News
