During the Western Han Dynasty, Li Ling, a cavalry commander known for his bravery, was ordered by Emperor Wu to lead 5,000 soldiers north against the invading Xiongnu. Unexpectedly, the Xiongnu forces outnumbered his by several times. Despite fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds for over ten days, killing more than 10,000 enemies, Li Ling was eventually surrounded, ran out of supplies and reinforcements, captured, and forced to surrender.
When Emperor Wu of Han heard that Li Ling had surrendered to the Xiongnu, he flew into a rage and ordered the execution of Li Ling's mother, wife, and entire family.
At the time, Sima Qian served as the Grand Historian in the imperial court. Defending Li Ling, he said, "Your Majesty, Li Ling has always served the court with merit, and his past achievements are enough to offset his defeat. With only 5,000 troops, he fought against 80,000 Xiongnu soldiers, holding out until his supplies and reinforcements were exhausted—he gave his utmost. I believe his surrender was forced by circumstances; given the chance, he will surely repay the nation."
When Emperor Wu of Han learned that Sima Qian had dared to defend Li Ling, he flew into a rage, ordering Sima Qian thrown into prison and subjected to the cruelest punishment—castration.
Sima Qian, having suffered both mentally and physically, wrote to his close friend Ren Shaoqing, pouring out his anguish: "I served the court with absolute loyalty, dedicating every waking moment to my duties, never imagining I would encounter such a gross injustice—it is utterly beyond belief."
After suffering castration, Sima Qian did not sink into despair
Later, the idiom "Da Miu Bu Ran" came to describe unexpected absurdity and great error.
Source: *Sima Qian (Han Dynasty), "Letter to Ren An"*
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "大谬不然" came to describe unexpected absurdity and great error.