LayarHijau.com – The hashtag #孟子义李昀锐二搭(#MengZiyiLiYunruiSecondCollaboration) suddenly trended on Weibo on June 10, 2025, fueling speculation about a potential new project that would reunite Meng Ziyi (孟子义 Mèng Zǐyì) and Li Yunrui (李昀锐 Lǐ Yúnruì). The two are rumored to star in a new historical romance drama titled Tigers Sniff the Rose (尚公主 Shàng Gōngzhǔ, lit. Princess Shang), adapted from a novel by 伊人睽睽 (Yī Rén Kuí Kuí).
While some fan accounts claimed the casting was officially confirmed on June 9, a report by Sina News clarified that the project remains a rumor with several variables, and an official announcement may be made during the Tencent Video Merchant Conference on June 23, 2025.
If true, this would mark the second collaboration between the pair, following the success of their previous drama Blossom (九重紫 Jiǔ Chóng Zǐ), which propelled the popularity of the CP nickname “昀牵孟绕” (Yún Qiān Mèng Rào)—a play on their names meaning “Yun that binds, Meng that entwines.”
Synopsis and Production Team
Tigers Sniff the Rose explores themes of palace politics, arranged marriage, and romance across social classes. Meng Ziyi is set to play Princess Mu Wanyao, a cold and sharp noblewoman, while Li Yunrui would portray Yan Shang, a gifted scholar from a humble background.
The drama is backed by New Classic Media and Tencent Video with a top-tier S+ configuration, promising high production value and visual quality. The screenplay is written by He Fang (何妨 Hé Fáng), known for The Legend of Shen Li, while Qin Zhen (秦榛 Qín Zhēn)—director of Lost You Forever (长相思 Cháng Xiāng Sī)—is rumored to be at the helm, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Filming is scheduled to begin in July 2025, with 40 episodes planned and an estimated production timeline of two years.
Controversy Erupts Over “Fānwèi” (Billing Order)
While many fans were thrilled at the return of the beloved sad-ending aesthetic CP “昀牵孟绕,” known for their natural on- and off-screen chemistry, controversy quickly arose over the issue of billing order, or 番位 (fānwèi).
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| Some fan made posters (source: NetEase) |
The debate intensified after the collaboration rumor went viral and fan-made posters began circulating online. These posters—some of which may have been mistaken for official material—displayed Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui’s names side by side, with stylized text implying equal billing. This sparked tension between the fanbases.
Meng Ziyi’s fans voiced their displeasure, arguing that their actress—widely recognized as a “大女主” (dà nǚ zhǔ), or ‘major female lead’—was being undermined by being positioned on equal footing with Li Yunrui. They emphasized that since the drama’s Chinese title, 尚公主 (Shàng Gōngzhǔ), literally means “Princess Shang”, the female protagonist should clearly be the central figure and receive top billing in credits and promotional materials.
To them, the word “Princess” in the title is proof that the narrative revolves around the female lead, and it was inappropriate for Meng Ziyi to be “equalized” in early marketing—especially when the poster in question wasn’t even official.
On the other hand, Li Yunrui’s fans fired back, calling the label “attachment son-in-law” (menantu tempelan) offensive. They pointed to his rising popularity following Love Like the Galaxy and The Last Immortal, as well as rumors that the script title had been changed to The Legend of Yan Shang (言尚传 Yán Shàng Zhuàn), suggesting the male lead’s storyline may have been significantly strengthened.
This dispute also reflects a broader divide between CP粉 (CP fěn)—fans who support the on-screen couple as a unit—and 唯粉 (wéi fěn)—fans loyal to one actor only. Industry insiders warn that such fan wars could drain the project’s promotional energy before filming even begins.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite having a strong production setup and a popular pairing, Tigers Sniff the Rose faces several potential hurdles:
- The original novel is considered politically weak, raising concerns that the drama might devolve into a superficial palace romance without much depth.
- Li Yunrui is currently filming Dazzling (耀眼 Yàoyǎn), which could create scheduling conflicts.
- The fānwèi issue reflects the current state of the Chinese entertainment industry, where font size, poster placement, and trailer screen time are often fiercely negotiated.
Still, many fans remain hopeful that with careful handling by both agencies and the broadcasting platform, the production can avoid CP wars and narrative pitfalls. If executed well, Tigers Sniff the Rose has the potential to become one of the most talked-about costume dramas of 2026.
