Little Shitou asked loudly, "Hey! I noticed you didn't say a single word, but you're awfully quick to apologize. Don't tell me you were the one who told them to say all that?"
Ma Liang waved his hand to stop his companions from losing their tempers. He looked at Little Shitou and said solemnly, "You jest, Brother Zhao. I may not be much, but I would never resort to such underhanded tricks. While I did not join in just now, I saw Brother Liu and Brother Wei being insolent and failed to stop them. Instead, I stood by, waiting for a show. That truly betrays my mentors' teachings, so it is only right that I apologize to you all. Or perhaps Brother Zhao feels my apology is improper?"
