Pursuit of Jade’s butcher and a fallen noble are currently capturing hearts. But despite the stunning winter aesthetics, sharp-eyed viewers have called out the technical brilliance as hollow. While the high ratings for the title paint a picture of a flawless historical epic, the massive wave of fans is not just watching the series, they are meticulously dissecting it.

Beneath the polished cinematography of director Zeng Qingjie, skeptical viewers have found several glaring loopholes and production shortcuts that challenge the show’s must-watch status and ratings.

Pursuit of Jade stars Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei in a top-trending historical romance that fans consider a mandatory viewing experience. On platforms like iQIYI, the series continues to maintain an impressively high audience rating of 9.9/10. At the heart of the story is a marriage of convenience between a gritty butcher and a disgraced nobleman. While it boasts a near-perfect rating on iQIYI, a deeper look at fan communities reveals specific friction points causing some viewers to frown.  

Many fans have expressed frustration with the way scenes have been rearranged compared to the original novel, which has led to a sense of confusion regarding the timeline of events. Viewers found themselves scratching their heads during transitions between major plot points. For book fans, the changes in characterization felt like a betrayal of the original story’s logic. But there is always the other side of the coin!

There are also viewers  who appreciated how the high-quality production mirrors the intensity shown in Pursuit of Jade, including the developing trust between the main leads. The female lead, Fan Changyu, breaks traditional tropes by appearing as a strong and practical woman who can handle a butcher knife. Her refreshing presence complements the complex journey of the male lead, Zheng.

Loved 'Vladimir'? Your Next 6 Best Obsessive Dark Thriller Dramas To Watch On Netflix

Viral discussions and emotional viewer testimonials highlight the intense impact of the recent episode releases.

The high scores often reflect the massive popularity of the lead actors and the stunning production value, but critical fans are pointing out flaws in the adaptation and narrative flow.

“They move around the scenes in drama compared to the novel,” and “I was often confused at some scenes,” wrote a few fans. Ultimately, while some viewers find the initial pacing confusing, the series remains a must-watch. 

As the show progresses into the middle episodes (specifically episodes 10-13), some fans have joked about transitions, saying "Lack of hinges". A segment of the audience felt that the marketing did not accurately represent the show's actual tone.

Other Side of audience members report becoming completely obsessed with the series, often finishing all available episodes within a single day of viewing. Many viewers originally intended to skip the show based on the trailers, but changed their minds after reading positive reviews. They now find themselves eagerly waiting for daily updates.

“Honestly, I was planning to skip this drama since the trailer didn't really appeal to me and I'm not a die-hard fan of the actors, but I'm so glad I didn't,” one fan wrote. The chemistry between Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei is frequently cited as the most compelling reason to continue watching the drama.

Fans specifically argued that the pacing in early episodes felt slightly staggered, but many also praised the breathtaking beauty of the snow-covered scenery, justifying its rating. The overwhelming consensus suggests that the electrifying chemistry between the leads and the cinematic production quality far outweigh any minor structural flaws.

10 K-Dramas on Netflix That You Must Watch At Least Once in 2025

What do you think about adding Pursuit of Jade to your watch list? Let us know in the comments.