Zhang Linghe is back to Hengdian after trending for his viral runway walk during the new year’s. In addition to Chasing Jade which already passed review and is expected to premiere early 2026, the 28-year-old actor has kicked off yet another costume drama. This time around, he’s paired with 29-year-old actress Lin Yun in The Road to Glory (归鸾).
Filming started recently with its two stars appearing on set in full character styling. Production has recently released its first look that features Zhang Linghe as Xiao Li, a character who rises from being on the streets to become the Prince of Wei of the Northern Realm. His rugged look reinforces a battle-worn aesthetic. Lin Yun plays Wen Yu, a fallen princess of a destroyed kingdom who is driven by one thing, “I want soldiers. I want power.” With a pairing between the “bandit wolf-dog and ambitious noblewoman,” their relationship evolves from hostility to love. It looks like the road to gory is angsty with a “betrayal” in the cards and the male lead turning the heroine into his “prisoner?!” Let’s hope all’s well that ends well.
It is directed by Chu De Jian (Hard to Find) with Zou Yue who was previously responsible for the political intrigue storyline in Love Like the Galaxy serving as head writer. Supporting cast include Huang Yi as Jiang Yichu, a crown princess carrying the burden of her clan, Zhang Xiaochen as Xiao Li’s sworn elder brother, and appearances by Gu Zicheng, Zuo Xiaoqing, etc.
avarachika
Zhang linghe looks too pretty to look rugged lol. The makeup needs to look more realistic and not just the clothes. Wait…on second thought, I can’t even tell if he’s a prince or soldier since his clothes looks too good to be a poor person but his hair matches that vibe of a soldier. I like everything except for the FL. I’m definitely intrigued by the director because of Hard To Find. The political intrigued for LLTG was okay imo.