Zhu Hai

Plot Overview

Returning to Serve the Country (1911-1912): After the Wuchang Uprising, Fan Xudong (played by Wang Zhifei), who returned from studying in Japan, is recommended by the Minister of Finance to oversee the currency reform. However, due to his unwillingness to engage in corruption, he faces exclusion from the political arena and resolutely leaves politics for business.
Industry as a Means to Save the Nation (1915-1937): He establishes the Jiuda Salt Company, breaking the foreign monopoly; he develops soda ash to challenge the British "Bunaimen" monopoly, but faces false accusations from salt merchants and threats from gangs. Siqin Gaowa portrays his wife Xu Fu, using her wisdom to resolve family and business crises.
Westward Migration During the War (1937-1945): To prevent technology from falling into Japanese hands, Fan Xudong personally destroys the factory in Tianjin and leads his team to rebuild in Sichuan. Upholding the spirit of "better to lose than to accept humiliation," he supports the industrial efforts in the rear. Gao Ming plays a Sichuan entrepreneur, showcasing the solidarity among national businesspeople.

Historical and Character Depth

Character Arc: Wang Zhifei's transformation from an idealistic scholar to a resolute industrialist is clearly defined, supported by Siqin Gaowa's portrayal of the "wise helper," illustrating the intellectual mission of "scientific salvation" during the era.
Attention to Detail: The drama recreates historical events such as the "failed test run at the Yongli Alkali Plant" and the "Red Triangle Brand soda ash winning a gold medal," with scenes of laboratory explosions and salt field surveys accurately reflecting the industrial landscape of the early Republic.

Production Significance
As a commemorative drama for the centenary of the Xinhai Revolution, "Zhu Hai" breaks away from the traditional "great man biography" framework. Through Fan Xudong's focus on "doing one thing throughout his life," it resonates with contemporary themes of technological independence. Its metaphor of "boiling the sea for salt" has been praised as the "industrial version of The Great River."

(Note: This introduction is based on publicly available plot and historical information from the production team and does not include unverified content.)