Period Cdramas with a “good girl” as FL

I’ve noticed that with some of my favorite period Cdramas, they almost always start with FL being reckless, never listening, getting herself and other in troubles, getting people hurt or getting them killed due to her actions or reactions, doing whatever she wants without regards to others around her, etc. They are usually genuinely nice girls who know how to use a cute pout or action to get what they need out of their loved ones. Usually they have a really protected life with a parent or a caretaker or a lover that would do anything for them. Those people (weakly) warn FL to be more careful and considerate, but ofc, she never listens to them. Almost like those irl parents that have indulged their kids so much that now those kids walk all over them. Examples like Legend of Fuyao, Ashes of Love, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, Three Lives Three worlds The Pillow Book, Love and Destiny, etc. Writers usually describe such FL as “playful” and the public seems to love them. 

I wonder if writers have noticed it is a pattern and why they rarely feel the need to switch things up a little from time to time and give us a FL that is a calm, composed, well mannered, well behaved . A FL that keeps to herself but has troubles coming at her instead of a FL actively creating troubles, acting lost, getting herself and others injured, and ofc needing to be saved.

I can’t think of many huge Cdramas with such FLs. On top of my head, i can remember: Empress of China, The Story of Ming Lan, and The Story of Yanxi Palace. Strangely the pattern within this group of FLs is almost never the same. They have some general and common traits, but it is usually presented differently, the reason behind their personality and attitude are different. 

What are your preferences? Did you notice that same pattern when it comes to the FL type i initially mentioned. What do you think of those different types of FLs. Can you think of more famous period Cdramas with each type of FL?

Thank you. And i apologize for possible mistakes. English is not my  first language. I’m still learning. Thanks.

I sort of agree with you. One of my biggest pet peeve is presenting stupid /annoying and jealously as cute.  Also the self sacrificing type. example General and I. 

I like the female lead character in Minglan. another strong  female lead is in the Rise of Phoenixes (2018) is intelligent and strong. personally i like strong female lead. I really enjoyed the story in Oh My General where the FL is an army general but i really diid not like it when in the end they made the ML also suddenly become a brilliant warrior who helps them in the final battle. I would have liked it more if the ML's character stayed the same. 

another FL character i like is in the Song of Glory. I specially liked that she doesnt refer to her husband as your highness/majesty and instead refers to him normally. 

Great topic, good explanation of FL in C-dramas. Also what @Its You said they presenting stupid /annoying and jealously as cute.  Also the self sacrificing type. 

In the "real" world a lot of women also still have to prove them selves to be good leaders. Women have been oppressed by men for thousands of years, excluding  exceptions of course. It's getting better whooohooo

Unfortunately I haven't seen a drama yet with the description you asked for. If I see one drama with this description I will let you know 

I started watching The Song of Glory and so far the FL is calm, confident and smart. I hope she will stay that way throughout the drama.  

@Its You  I think most of her dedication to the SML stems from the time they spent together in the prison, their time spent under constant attack while on house arrest, and their united goal to reach a place-his home country- where they and their loved ones could be free. The twist of the plot goes on from there when his goals get sidetracked by revenge, and she has to choose between her loyalty to her friend and the lives of the helpless commoners stuck in the middle. What are your thoughts?

Also  I agree, Zanilia Zhao is great! 

That chicken leg in joy of life tho lol @putongren

On thinking about it, you're absolutely right, that was one of the frustrating parts of the show! lol

I think it was a plot device....  I'm pretty sure  the writer used it to make us ready for her to leave Yan Xun (no matter how much some of the audience preferred his warm and engaging side). It was drawn out longer dramatically, but it made us and her realize unequivocally that though he was (to many) less engaging and charming, Yuwen Yue was the man for her. How many people do you know that stay with the person they chose despite it becoming unhealthy? I hate that too. Drives me nuts.  Looking at you too, Journey of Flower and Goodbye my Princess.

The ending just destroyed me. Like, seriously. If I ever wanted a sequel to a show, it would be to this one. To this day Lin GengXin remains my favorite male lead of all time.  I'm so completely biased, I acknowledge that. And she's still my favorite female lead. The first stays with you longest I guess? It was one of the first Cdramas I ever saw, and only the second after Braveheart that made me cry buckets at the end

 Its You:

Yes I agree thats her reason. But even when she realises he is wrong she still follows him almost till the end. Thats what I dont get it for such a righteous person like her to follow him because they shared some experiences. what do you think about the ending in general?  The ML must be the sorriest character one in drama history. He was righteous and does so much for her. But gets nothing in return other than been misunderstood.