Would highly highly recommend
A Touch of Green. It's a Taiwanese period drama
filled with strong female characters, some romance and lots of emotional pain, but extremely well-written. It's not been subbed in English though :( but if you can understand Chinese please do give it a try!!
http://mydramalist.com/15192-a-touch-of-green Also
Legend of Lu Zhen, a historical Chinese drama with a strong feminist plot and a good dose of romance. Also not sure if this has been subbed into English though there is a higher probability it has than with A Touch of Green.
http://mydramalist.com/4269-legend-of-lu-zhen
Prince of Lan Ling, also a Chinese historical drama, carries a similar feminist vibe in my opinion, though it may get a bit draggier halfway through.
http://mydramalist.com/4033-prince-of-lan-lingIf you are considering some kdramas,
I Hear Your Voice has a really strong plot and uniquely flawed female lead too. :)
http://mydramalist.com/6993-i-hear-your-voiceAn older kdrama suggestion would be
Shining Inheritance. It may be a bit cliche in its premise, but I found the female lead to be refreshingly not weak at all.
http://mydramalist.com/70-shining-inheritance
Hope this helps! >.