Love Locked in the Pear Garden

[Forceful pursuit + Republican era + reunion after a long separation + 1v1 + both leads are faithful + tragic ending] Dominant, ruthless pursuer vs. cool, heartless pursued Everyone says Zhang Yichuan is the uncrowned king of Hanzhong, with power reaching the heavens and a status no one can touch. Ten years ago, he said, “You're the son of a concubine. Stay away from me.” Ten years later, he says, “Jian Shushu, why can't you love me a little more?” Onstage, he is Qin Jianshu, a dazzling dan-role performer. Offstage, he is a hunter, laying his plans one step at a time. He weaves a web of desire and watches coldly as this arrogant man falls into it, making exceptions for him, losing his composure for him, and humbling himself at his feet. His goal was never to win the man's heart. He wanted him to suffer every humiliation he himself had endured, then strike him down when he could no longer bear to be apart. But he never imagined that when Zhang Yichuan asked him with red-rimmed eyes, “Do you even have a heart?” his own heart would ache too. The drums have sounded. In this play born of hatred, neither of them gets to leave before the final act. Ten years ago, you despised me for being beneath you. Ten years later, I'll make you kneel and beg me to stay.