LayarHijau.com – After weeks of speculation, Li Yunrui and Meng Ziyi have officially been announced as the leads in the upcoming historical drama Tigers Sniff the Rose (Mandarin title: 尚公主, Shang Gongzhu). The news was posted on the drama's official Weibo account on June 22, 2025, quickly becoming a hot trending topic on Chinese social media.
The production team released a poetic statement that read:
"I met you in Lingnan and formed an alliance with you. I bit your arm in Chang’an. I play chess for the nation and correct injustices. I long for peace and tranquility."
"We meet in mist and rain, return to Chang’an, hold the one I love, and face the people. This heart is devoted to national peace, this ambition seeks harmony."
The lead actors also shared dramatic personal statements. Meng Ziyi wrote: “If you want to fight a tiger, you must sacrifice yourself first. This is my hunting ground. Chang’an, I’m back.”
Li Yunrui added: “Punish evil, bring peace. Serve the people, be just, be kind, be good. Chang’an, here I come.”
Their Second Project After Blossom
This drama marks the second collaboration between Li Yunrui and Meng Ziyi, following the emotional success of Blossom (Mandarin title: 九重紫, Jiu Chong Zi). Their on-screen chemistry earned them the CP nickname “昀牵孟绕” (Yun Qian Meng Rao), meaning “Yun that binds, Meng that entwines.”
Speculation surrounding their reunion began as early as June 10, 2025, when the hashtag #孟子义李昀锐二搭 (#MengZiyiLiYunruiSecondCollaboration) started trending. Fan-made posters, script rumors, and insider leaks sparked heated discussion—even before the production issued any formal confirmation.
While there were passionate discussions at the time regarding character focus and screen time distribution, the official announcement has helped calm much of the earlier noise, allowing fans to focus on the drama’s potential.
About Tigers Sniff the Rose
Adapted from the novel by popular writer Yi Ren Kui Kui (伊人睽睽), Tigers Sniff the Rose is a palace-set romantic drama produced by New Classic Media and Tencent Video. The project is labeled S+, indicating high production standards and significant investment.
The script is written by He Fang (何妨), known for The Legend of Shen Li, while direction is expected to be handled by Qin Zhen (秦榛), who previously led Lost You Forever (长相思).
The series is planned to run for 40 episodes and will stream exclusively on Tencent Video. The official filming start date has not yet been announced, especially since Li Yunrui is still filming another drama titled Dazzling (耀眼).
Synopsis
Meng Ziyi stars as Princess Mu Wanyao, a cool-headed noblewoman who leaves Chang’an to perform a ritual for her late mother. On her way back, she encounters Yan Shang (played by Li Yunrui), a brilliant scholar from a humble background.
Their connection begins in the rain-soaked mountains of Lingnan and deepens in the political heart of the capital. As court intrigue thickens, they join forces to fight corruption and injustice—while holding onto love and striving to bring peace to the people.
Looking Ahead
With a high-caliber creative team, strong visual promise, and proven lead actors, Tigers Sniff the Rose is poised to become one of 2026’s most anticipated costume dramas.
Despite earlier rumors and fan debates, the tone across social media has now shifted to excitement and support. If well executed, this reunion could cement Li Yunrui and Meng Ziyi as one of the most iconic on-screen couples in historical romance.