LayarHijau — Actress Meng Ziyi has responded to audience expectations for her latest drama, Tigers Sniff the Rose (尚公主), after her previous drama, Blossom (九重紫), became hugely popular in China. In Blossom (2024), she played Dou Zhao. In an interview that is drawing discussion on Weibo today, she stressed that Dou Zhao and Mu Wanyao, the character she plays in Tigers Sniff the Rose, are two very different characters.
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Two topics about her remarks have landed on Weibo’s trending list: one about how different the two characters are, and one about her regrets over how Tigers Sniff the Rose has gone so far.
During the interview, the interviewer said around 90% of viewers may come in with impressions and expectations from the earlier drama, then asked whether that could become a source of pressure. Meng Ziyi said she understands that perspective but believes every drama has its own story to tell.
“I can certainly understand why some viewers might watch with those impressions or expectations in mind. But I believe every drama has its own unique story to tell,” she said. “Dou Zhao and Mu Wanyao are two very different characters.”
Meng Ziyi also thanked viewers for their continued interest in Tigers Sniff the Rose. The interviewer pointed out that during yesterday’s livestream, she seemed a little emotional while speaking to the audience. Meng Ziyi confirmed this.
Meng Ziyi talked about #TigersSnifftheRose https://t.co/EDeiY5TSZ4
— Layar Hijau (@layar_hijau) October 30, 2026
In a clip from the livestream, she described the drama as filled with intense emotions on many levels. “Tigers Sniff the Rose explores love, friendship, and family. I genuinely think it’s a wonderful drama, and I love it,” she said. She also hoped everyone will continue to support the drama.
In the interview, Meng Ziyi also highlighted the producer’s hard work. “Our producer, in particular, has been working on this project for the past two years. From the script to the cinematography and every other aspect, they’ve worked hard to make everything even better,” she said.
According to Meng Ziyi, the director and cast are in the best position to appreciate that level of care. “Even now, we all feel that there are things we wish had turned out differently. We believe this drama deserves even better,” she said.
She closed by urging viewers to stick with it. “Only 10 episodes have aired so far. There are still many more episodes to come, and we sincerely hope everyone will continue to support the drama, because the upcoming episodes are really good. We all truly love this project.”
Tigers Sniff the Rose premiered on October 23, 2026. The historical drama is adapted from the novel of the same name by Yi Ren Kuikui. Meng Ziyi plays Mu Wanyao, a daughter of the imperial family who refuses to resign herself to fate, and Li Yunrui plays Yan Shang, a gifted scholar of humble origins with remarkable strategic skill. The two join forces to build a peaceful and prosperous world. Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui previously starred together in Blossom.
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