What caused Sima Qian's position as Grand Historian to end in disgrace?
A failed military campaign
His defense of Li Ling
Accusations of corruption
A palace coup
Answer
The cause of Sima Qian's downfall as Grand Historian and his subsequent disgrace can be attributed to his valiant defense of the disgraced general Li Ling, who had surrendered to the Xiongnu after a devastating defeat in 99 BCE.
The Legacy of Sima Qian: Unlocking Ancient Chinese History