Tigers Sniff the Rose Review: Is It Worth Watching?
Can a powerful princess and a humble scholar change each other’s destinies? Tigers Sniff the Rose (尚公主), which premiered on October 23, 2026, brings Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui together again in a historical romance filled with ambition, political intrigue, and slow-burning attraction.
Following their popular pairing in Blossom (Ninefold Purple), expectations were understandably high. But while their chemistry remains a major attraction, the drama’s opening episodes have sparked mixed reactions.
So, is Tigers Sniff the Rose worth watching?
Drama Details
- Chinese Title: 尚公主 (Shang Gong Zhu)
- Episodes: 40 (approximately 45 minutes each)
- Premiere: October 23, 2026
- Genre: Historical Romance, Political Intrigue
- Streaming: Tencent Video, WeTV, Disney+ (selected regions), Viki
- Director: Qin Zhen
- Screenwriter: He Fang
- Lead Cast: Meng Ziyi as Mu Wanyao; Li Yunrui as Yan Shang
- Based On: Shang Gong Zhu by Yi Ren Kui Kui
- Status: Ongoing
The Story: When a Princess Meets a Scholar
Princess Mu Wanyao (Meng Zi Yi) is accustomed to power, but her royal status has not given her complete freedom. Sent away from the capital, she encounters Yan Shang, a talented scholar from a modest family, after her carriage breaks down in the mountains of Lingnan.
Their first meeting is far from romantic. Mu Wanyao’s commanding personality clashes with Yan Shang’s principles, creating tension that gradually develops into mutual understanding.
As Yan Shang (Li Yun Rui) enters the political world of Chang’an, their relationship becomes intertwined with court rivalries, dangerous ambitions, and the struggle to protect their country.
Unlike romances built entirely around misunderstandings, Tigers Sniff the Rose aims to portray two intelligent individuals learning to navigate power together.
Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui: Does Their Chemistry Still Work?
The biggest reason many viewers started watching is the reunion of Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui.
In Blossom, their relationship was shaped by emotional intensity and shared hardship. Here, their characters begin on opposite sides of a social divide.
Meng Ziyi as Mu Wanyao delivers a proud, emotionally guarded princess who refuses to remain powerless. Her elegant appearance suits the role, while her character’s determination adds complexity. However, Mu Wanyao’s harsh treatment of ordinary people in the opening episodes has made her difficult for some viewers to sympathize with.
Li Yunrui as Yan Shang provides a quieter counterbalance. His character relies on intelligence, patience, and moral conviction rather than inherited privilege.
Together, they create an appealing contrast: a princess who possesses status but seeks freedom, and a scholar who lacks status but possesses the ability to influence events.
Their chemistry is convincing, although viewers expecting an immediately passionate romance may find the early relationship surprisingly restrained.
What Works — and What Doesn’t?
The Strengths
The production’s visual presentation is one of its most noticeable advantages. Elaborate costumes, carefully designed interiors, and an atmospheric soundtrack give the drama an elegant historical identity.
The gradual development of the central relationship also offers something different from romances that rush into emotional declarations.
Most importantly, the story gives both leads ambitions beyond their relationship, allowing romance and political intrigue to develop alongside each other.
The Weaknesses
The opening episodes are the biggest obstacle.
Mu Wanyao’s treatment of Yan Shang’s family has attracted criticism from Douban viewers, particularly those uncomfortable with powerful characters mistreating ordinary people.
The slow pacing has also divided audiences. Some appreciate the time devoted to establishing the characters, while others feel the drama takes too long to become engaging.
A few viewers have additionally criticized the dubbing and questioned the realism of certain early scenes.
These concerns are worth considering, especially for anyone expecting the immediate emotional pull of Blossom.
Douban Reactions: Why Are Viewers Divided?
Early Douban discussions reveal two contrasting responses.
Supporters praise Meng Ziyi’s portrayal of a determined princess, the chemistry between the leads, and the gradual introduction of political intrigue. Some viewers believe the story becomes more rewarding after its opening episodes.
Critics, however, argue that the princess’s early behavior makes her difficult to support. Others find the pacing too slow or the production’s historical details unconvincing.
The disagreement suggests that Tigers Sniff the Rose depends heavily on whether viewers are willing to give its characters time to develop.
Final Verdict: Is Tigers Sniff the Rose Worth Watching?
Tigers Sniff the Rose is a visually appealing historical romance with a promising central relationship and an ambitious political storyline.
Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui remain an engaging screen pairing, but their chemistry cannot entirely overcome a controversial opening and occasionally uneven pacing.
If you enjoy slow-burn romance, complicated heroines, and court intrigue, this drama deserves a chance. If you prefer fast-moving stories with immediately sympathetic protagonists, the first few episodes may test your patience.
Our Provisional Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½☆ — 3.5/5
Best for: Fans of Blossom, slow-burn historical romance, and political dramas with strong-willed protagonists.
What do you think? Does Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui’s reunion live up to their chemistry in Blossom? Share your thoughts below!
