The period drama “Spring of the Blade” 《一瓯春》, starring Xu Kai and Zhou Ye, officially premiere on 17 September 2026, on iQIYI International.
The series starts with a forgotten case and follows Shen Run and Xie Qingyuan as they meet again, hiding their real identities and motives. Their relationship changes from mistrust to teamwork as they seek the truth.
During their youth, Shen Run and Xie Qingyuan both face family tragedies that change their lives. Nine years later, Shen Run seems to be a calm and refined official in the imperial court. However, under the name Yan Rui, he secretly goes back to his hometown to investigate an old corruption case, find out what happened to the Shen family, and clear his father’s name. Xie Qingyuan takes on the identity of Chen Yunya and re-enters the risky Xie household, dealing with complicated family relationships while looking into her mother’s death.
At first, they see each other as a way to achieve their own goals. As they dig deeper into the investigation, they face dangers both from their families and outside forces. Through repeated confrontations and working together, they learn to trust each other. Their cautious partnership grows as they tackle challenges and protect one another. As their cases become connected, they must uncover the truth while making tough choices about their identities, responsibilities, and feelings.
Xu Kai’s Shen Run appears gentle and composed but is also observant, determined, and clever. His dual identities put him in between the imperial court, family interests, and the unresolved case, showing different sides of him as he balances patience and decisive action. Zhou Ye’s Xie Qingyuan may seem innocent and carefree, but she is smart and resolute. She goes back to the Xie household to search for clues among its hidden secrets while also helping the women around her take control of their lives.
Spring of the Blade combines the refined aesthetics of Jiangnan during the Song Dynasty with mystery, family intrigue and emotional growth. Shen Run and Xie Qingyuan do not simply wait to be rescued by one another. Instead, they pursue their own goals while drawing strength from each other and growing together. Their relationship develops from mutual calculation to mutual respect, and from confrontation to complete trust, balancing an equal contest of intelligence with affection built through shared danger.
As the story progresses, key moments include Shen Run showing his authority in public, entering the Xie home alone to save Xie Qingyuan, having public confrontations, sharing a kiss behind a screen, and a marriage proposal on horseback in red. Fast-paced twists and rising emotional tension drive the investigation and the developing relationship between Shen Run and Xie Qingyuan, adding new intrigue to the plot.