Tigers Sniff the Rose episode 39 recap: A last order for Chunhua

In short

Liu Wenji kills Prince Jin to save Chunhua, then dies from poison; the old Emperor dies after facing Mu Xun on the city wall, while the supposedly dead Yan Shang wakes.

What happens in episode 39

News reaches Prince Jin and Liu Wenji that Yan Shang has died. The report is false: he is still unconscious in the capital. Terrified of Mu Xun's advance, Prince Jin considers giving the throne to his young son. He fears Chunhua will then join forces with the princess and orders Liu Wenji to have her killed. Instead, Liu Wenji strangles him and strikes him with the imperial seal.

Liu Wenji summons Chunhua, who is horrified by the body. He tries to reassure her, then coughs up blood. She realizes he has taken poison and holds him as they finally speak honestly about their love. He admits his selfishness and cowardice helped bring them here. Before dying, he insists on arranging her future. In mourning, Chunhua issues an edict as Empress Dowager: Liu Wenji is declared a regicide who has been put to death, and the realm is called to support the princess against Mu Xun's rebellion.

The capital's defenders have run out of gunpowder. Wei Shu, Zhao Lingfei, Fang Tong, soldiers and townspeople prepare stones for another assault while Yan Shang remains unconscious. Emperor Mu Yu has himself dressed and brought to the wall. He denounces Mu Xun, whose confidence falters at seeing his father still standing. News that the princess is approaching with a large relief army makes Mu Xun withdraw. The Emperor turns toward the evening sky, collapses and dies.

Mu Xun sends an envoy to the princess, claiming Yan Shang is his prisoner and offering to take her to him. She demands proof and asks what message Yan Shang sent. The envoy invents a request for her to halt her army. She knows Yan Shang would say nothing if captured and has the envoy seized. Though shaken by the earlier report of his death, she keeps command of her forces.

Yan Shang dreams of the princess calling to him, then opens his eyes. Mu Xun attacks again after the Emperor's death, but the princess arrives behind him and cuts off his retreat. Yang Si charges into her army, determined to end the battle.

Why it matters

Episode 39 ends Liu Wenji's story, makes Chunhua Empress Dowager and removes the old Emperor; Yan Shang's awakening overturns the death report before the final battle.

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