When Ma Xili walked in beaming and paid his respects to Liu Shi, Liu Shi suddenly realized that this fellow must have gone behind his back and submitted a memorial directly to the Inspector.
He despised people like that most of all!
Why couldn't he discuss things with him first? Why insist on going over his head to report them?
Liu Shi's expression immediately darkened.
They were even in the same place. The King of Shanshan's behavior was like a County Magistrate bypassing the Commandery Governor to report important matters directly to the Inspector.
And that Commandery Governor even shared the same administrative seat with him.
This was nothing short of a slap in Liu Shi's face.
"Heh, how imposing the Great King has become. Why bother paying your respects to me? These days, you associate with important figures like the Inspector. I should be the one bowing to you."
Liu Shi's words dripped with sarcasm.
Ma Xili laughed awkwardly and said, "I merely sent the Inspector a letter asking after him. There was nothing else in it. He has only just arrived, and I was simply fulfilling my duties. Please don't read too much into it!"
"Heh, I wouldn't dare, wouldn't dare. I spend every day at the Great King's side, yet I've never seen you ask after me. You certainly are warm toward Inspector Liu."
The King of Shanshan sat down beside Liu Shi with a smile and took his hand.
"You and I see each other so often, Chief Clerk. What need is there for so many tedious formalities?"
Liu Shi glanced at him and put away his displeasure.
"Then what important business brings the Great King to see me this time?"
Only then did the King of Shanshan explain, "It's like this. All these years, I