Tigers Sniff the Rose episode 37 recap: A volunteer to hold the capital

In short

Prince Jin takes the throne and leaves power to Liu Wenji, Yan Shang volunteers to defend the capital, and Mu Xun's forces kill the Elder Princess of Luling.

What happens in episode 37

Liu Wenji visits Chunhua and holds her close, saying that if they survive this crisis no one will be able to bully them again. She is startled to learn Prince Jin will be Emperor. Liu Wenji cares less about who wears the crown than what it will mean for the two of them. When the ailing Emperor hears the coronation music, Liu Wenji tells him Prince Jin is taking the throne. The Emperor realizes his will was changed and rages, but Liu Wenji forces medicine into his mouth.

The new ruler leaves memorials unread and complains when Mu Xun's army approaches. He hands the work of government, and even the imperial seal, to Liu Wenji. Liu Wenji works through the backlog overnight, then walks through the streets delighted at his new power. There he meets Yan Shang, who thanks him for his kindness during the years in Lanyang.

The reunion cools when Yan Shang asks about the city's defenses. Liu Wenji resents the questions and demands to know where the princess is. Seeing how much his friend has changed, Yan Shang refuses to tell him. He fears Liu Wenji is becoming another Yu Cheng'an.

As the rebels advance, Liu Wenji releases Chancellor Liu from the prison where he has held him. The chancellor rebukes the court and urges the imperial household to move south while the capital is defended. No official offers to stay. Yan Shang steps forward and volunteers to hold the city, even at the cost of his life.

Outside the capital, Mu Xun demands the traveling palace where the Elder Princess of Luling is living. She fights rather than surrender, but his stronger army kills her and her followers. Over a game of chess, Chancellor Liu teaches Yan Shang how to defend the city and warns that without help it may not hold. Yan Shang believes there is still a way. The princess, meanwhile, rides alone through snow and ice.

Why it matters

Episode 37 puts Yan Shang in charge of the capital's defense, exposes Liu Wenji's new authority and kills the Elder Princess, while the princess rides away on her own mission.

Based on the episode synopsis, summarized in our own words: TVmao (电视猫) episode synopses