Qi Rong is the most truthful person in TGCF.

He says the truth but the way he says it is frowned upon in society that emphasizes strict decorum. He is just a dramatic ass with no care for catering to people who judges him for his 'unknown' birth. He is a little brash. But for this quality he is punished again and again by all, even by Xie Lian. Qi Rong in the novel is less duplitious than Xie Lian.

Also, Qi Rong-Xie Lian dynamic is interesting as Hualian as they act literally with the same attitude. Qi Rong just is the more truthful and outwardly version of Xie Lian.