The historical drama Zhu Yu has taken over streaming charts, with Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei emerging as one of the hottest on-screen pairings of the moment. The series quickly topped 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 lifetime or parallel universe,” reflecting the drama’s overwhelming popularity and strong viewer 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 romance storyline, blending sweetness with tragedy, has sparked a massive wave of online discussions.
However, alongside the drama’s success, casting rumors have reignited public interest—particularly involving Bai Lu. Reports suggest that Bai Lu was originally considered for the female lead but ultimately declined the role.
The reasons behind her decision remain unclear, but multiple theories have surfaced. One claim points to disagreements over billing order, while another suggests she intentionally avoided the project due to past dating rumors with Zhang Linghe.
“It makes sense for a top actress like Bai Lu to care about ranking,” some netizens argued, while others hinted, “Those who know, know,” fueling speculation about personal factors behind the decision.
Zhang Linghe’s rising popularity has further intensified the discussion. Since the drama’s release, he has reportedly gained over 3.2 million new followers, with fans revisiting his past relationship rumors with Bai Lu, especially following their collaboration in Story of Kunning Palace. The pair was once dubbed the “Bai Nian Hao He CP,” with their off-screen interactions drawing significant attention at the time.
Although breakup rumors between the two surfaced in 2024, their reportedly awkward interaction at a 2026 awards event—where Bai Lu appeared to avoid eye contact—has only added fuel to ongoing speculation about their relationship status.
Meanwhile, Bai Lu’s own drama Tang Palace Mystery Case aired around the same time as Zhu Yu, creating a direct comparison between the two productions. While her performance received praise, Zhu Yu ultimately achieved stronger buzz and wider audience reach, further amplifying discussions around her alleged decision to turn down the role.
If the rumors are true, the casting change ultimately opened the door for Tian Xiwei, who broke away from her usual “sweet girl” image to take on a more grounded character. Her performance, including the viral line “I’ll raise pigs to support you,” has become 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
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