Traitorous minister x deposed emperor
When Ruan Zhuoliu was sixteen, he possessed everything bright and beautiful in the world.
A good family, a close friend, a sterling reputation, good looks, and talent.
He passed the imperial exams at a young age, a handsome young gentleman with a flower in his hair, parading through the streets like a shining pearl.
Then one day, everything changed. The Crown Prince failed to eliminate the eunuchs, and the entire Ruan family was implicated and convicted. Only by seeking the eunuchs' protection, confessing to his crimes, and betraying his close friend, father, and elder brother could Ruan Zhuoliu save his life.
Even so, he was left with a disability in his leg and confined to his sickbed for a long time.
Back when Ruan Zhuoliu served as the Crown Prince's study companion, he had never paid attention to the timid young brother at the Crown Prince's side.
After all, the Ninth Prince, born of humble origins, was merely a dim star beside the Crown Prince.
Only once did the Ninth Prince accidentally fall into a lotus pond, where Ruan Zhuoliu happened to be passing and rescued him.
The child grasped the young man's hand and asked through his tears,
