I'm looking for mostly historical cdrama recs (not opposed to other countries) with an emotional ml. Maybe he has a tragic past, or is just an emotional character in general. A strong and protective fl would be nice to see as well.

Blossoms in Adversity - ml is used by the emperor (his uncle) to become masked new commander of special service, his mother died, his sister has autism, he ignored his father, he dislike his step-mother, his uncle treats him as commodity

Love Like The Galaxy - ml lost almost all of his family members except his 'aunt' in the past and a father who he hates so he becomes cold and unfeeling, only warm towards the emperor (his 'uncle''s best friend) and a girl who attracts him

Nirvana in Fire - ml is the new strategist appear in town, but he actually emperor's nephew who should already be killed alongside his family members and all soldiers under his father; and now he's suffering from terminal illness from being poisoned and bit by an animal in that incident

The three had similar storyline and a lot of conflicts (especially in choosing future king) happen in the drama.

My Lady General has a strong FL who can be quite protective and an emotional ML (very passionate in love and goes off the rails when he thinks he's losing the FL after she finds out his secret)

My Queen - not ML, but SML is extremely emotional and protective of FL - but in a good way, he is not annoying.

I love these sort of couples so much. Hope I understood what you meant well ^^' 

First thing that comes to mind is oldie but goodie kdrama Empress Ki