The thing with Ruoxi is that I find her extremely realistic, perhaps the most realistic female lead I have seen in a good while, but i an not sure I find her likable - she is much too cautious and self-interested. To do the inevitable JPLH comparison, I adore Qing Chuan to bits, much more than I do Ruoxi - she will do what she thinks is right and sticks to those she loves, even if it will cost her head and will do it without thinking twice (remember the bit near the end when she told Four she will be his mistress if he spares Eight's life? And then treated him like dirt telling him his bargain only bought him her body? I cannot see Ruoxi doing something like that ever, whoever was involved). She is not wrong or bad or anything - QC's way will get one quickly and gruesomely executed if it was a more realistic take on the Qing. But, a you out it, it's not what I am conditioned to expect from my heroines. It is good writing and acting but it makes it hard to really root for one person over other.