In an interview, Zhang Linghe said to authentically portray a young general, he made a conscious effort to control his weight, maintain his physique, and adjust his posture according to the character's needs.
The action scenes in the drama were all performed by himself—he practiced repeatedly in heavy armor.
The so-called "foundation general" is merely a stylistic choice in costume dramas, rather than a reflection of the actor being unprofessional or lacking dedication.
Watching Zhang Linghe’s dedication to portraying a young general brings a refreshing perspective to Chinese costume dramas. The idea of the "foundation general," who appears flawless and impeccably groomed despite the chaos of battle, initially seemed odd to me. However, after learning about Zhang Linghe’s deliberate efforts—managing his weight, maintaining a strong physique, and adjusting his posture to suit the character—I realized this portrayal emphasizes the drama’s stylistic and narrative goals. In costume dramas like "Pursuit of Jade," the visual appeal can be just as important as historical accuracy. Zhang Linghe’s commitment extended beyond aesthetics; he performed all the demanding action scenes himself in heavy armor, practicing tirelessly to bring realism to his movements. This personal investment shapes a compelling character who captivates the audience, proving that strength and elegance can coexist on screen. What fascinated me further was the fan reaction to the "foundation general" nickname. Netizens humorously noted how Zhang Linghe’s character looks pristine after battle—no sweat or dirt, as if he just came from a spa session. This contrasts sharply with traditional rugged military portrayals, like Peter Ho’s intense depiction in "King’s War," which embraced a grittier, battle-worn look. Both approaches have their own charm, highlighting how costume dramas creatively interpret historical or fictional figures. As a viewer, I appreciate the balance between authenticity and stylization. Zhang Linghe’s portrayal invites us to rethink what a general’s image can represent beyond toughness. The clean, polished look paired with vigorous action sequences creates an engaging visual narrative that resonates, especially with audiences who enjoy romance and character-driven stories within historical settings. This trend also opens up conversations about gender perspectives in dramas. Fans have expressed support for diverse portrayals, including female characters who defy traditional combat stereotypes, even fighting in high heels. The "foundation general" thus symbolizes evolving storytelling styles that blend strength, fashion, and charisma—an exciting development in Chinese costume dramas.
