Sima Qian, born in Hancheng, Shaanxi, his ancestors were all talented historians. From the legendary era of Zhuan Xuan to the generation of his father Sima Tan, the duties of a historian are like a red thread running throughout. During the period of Emperor Wu, the establishment of Taishi Ling injected new vitality into the historical mission of the Sima family. Sima Tan, an outstanding historian, had great ambitions and began to collect fragments of history early on, hoping to paint that magnificent picture. However, he died of illness in Luoyang in his unfinished business, leaving behind endless regrets.
Sima Qian took over his father's mission. He was about thirty-five years old and in the prime of life. In fact, his love for history has long transcended the boundaries of his age, and he has shown extraordinary talent since he was a child. By the age of ten, he was able to memorize ancient books. At the age of 20, he embarked on a journey around the country, exploring the historical traces of various places and experiencing the customs and customs of each place. His heart was full of fragments of history, which were valuable materials for him to write history in the future. Three years after Sima Tan's death, Sima Qian's mourning period expired and he was officially appointed as Taishi Ling. He was full of ambition and was ready to write an unprecedented history during his tenure, drawing on the city's rich collection of books and his vast knowledge. However, there were unforeseen circumstances, and the courtiers asked Emperor Wu to surrender to Li Ling because of Li Ling's surrender to the Xiongnu. Sima Qian interceded for Li Ling, and he generously stated: "Li Ling is in the prime of his youth, he is not afraid of life and death, and he goes to difficulties for the country. He led less than 5,000 foot soldiers deep into the territory of the Xiongnu, and fought fiercely with enemies several times his size for more than ten days, killing far more than his own losses. He has made great achievements for Tianhan and deserves to be commended. However, due to the outnumbered enemy, Li Ling had to retreat. But his subordinates were brave and fearless, and they fought to the death against the Xiongnu regardless of their own safety, just to repay the kindness of the Son of Heaven. Although Li Ling was defeated, I believe that his surrender was not sincere, but waiting for the opportunity to make meritorious contributions to the Han Dynasty. Emperor Wu nodded frequently after hearing this, but Sima Qian's words were not finished: "Besides, the general of the second division led 30,000 people to the battle, but when he returned, he was extremely miserable, and it can be said that although he won but lost." ”
This sentence is like a sharp knife, impartially piercing into the heart of Emperor Wu - Li Guangli, the general of the Second Division, the favorite minister of Emperor Wu himself, Sima Qian actually compared him to an unbearable person. "Is this an insult to Li Guangli?This is clearly a challenge to me and a slander to the imperial court!Emperor Wu was furious and immediately ordered Sima Qian to be sent to the prison and sentenced to death. In the Han Dynasty, the death penalty was not an absolute end, and there were two ways to escape. One is to atone for sins with wealth, just like Li Guang, who exchanged his family wealth for a life. However, although the Sima family has been an official for generations, he is only a poor historian, and he cannot be compared with the rich Li family. The other way is to accept the humiliating palace punishment. Is it to steal life or to die bravely?It depends on one's beliefs and choices. Sima Qian had long been ready to face the ridicule of the world, but the shame of the palace punishment weighed heavily on his heart like a boulder, making him breathless. 
2023 Annual Stocktake
Faced with such a predicament, Sima Qian made a great decision. He turned his inner pain into the motivation for creation, and wrote the "Historical Records" that has been passed down through the ages with blood and pen and ink. This work is not only a testimony of his personal perseverance and endurance of humiliation, but also a profound reflection and unique insight into history. It was this experience that shaped Sima Qian's outlook on life and values, making him a great historian and writer.