References

• 《四庫全書總目提要·卷45 史部·正史類》

Source: "Shiji Yiweng" (《史記疑問》) is a single-volume work written by Shao Taiqu during the Qing Dynasty. Shao Taiqu is also known for his work "Tan Gong Yiweng" (《檀弓疑問》). The "Shiji" (《史記》), compiled by Sima Qian, draws from a wide array of sources, making it a comprehensive historical text. However, due to the vast number of references, there are instances of contradictions and discrepancies. Ban Gu criticized the inconsistencies in the text's purpose, while Liu Zhiji pointed out flaws in its structure and style. Despite these critiques, there was no dedicated work that systematically addressed and corrected the errors in the "Shiji" until Shao Taiqu's "Shiji Yiweng." In "Shiji Yiweng," Shao Taiqu meticulously examines the discrepancies and contradictions in the "Shiji." For example, he argues that the account in the "Gaozu Ji" (《高祖紀》) of Emperor Gaozu releasing prisoners and returning to Pei calmly is not plausible. He also questions the reliability of the story in the "Liu Hou Shijia" (《留侯世家》) about generals whispering in the sand. Additionally, he criticizes the claim in the "Li Ling Zhuan" (《李陵傳》) that Li Ling, after exhausting his arrows, still managed to kill over ten thousand Xiongnu soldiers as exaggerated. Shao Taiqu further points out inconsistencies by cross-referencing the "Gongchen Biao" (《功臣表》), noting that according to this table, Lü Ze died in the ninth year of the Han dynasty, which contradicts the "Liu Hou Shijia" stating that Lü Ze was still alive in the eleventh year. Shao's method of cross-referencing and logical analysis is thorough and precise, setting his work apart from other critiques, such as Wu Zhen's corrections to the "Xin Tangshu" (《新唐書》), which focused primarily on textual and grammatical issues. Originally, "Shiji Yiweng" and "Tan Gong Yiweng" were published together. However, to better categorize the works, "Tan Gong Yiweng" was placed in the "Jing Bu" (經部) section, while "Shiji Yiweng" was placed in the "Shi Bu" (史部) section, ensuring that each work is classified appropriately. Shao Taiqu's "Shiji Yiweng" is a significant contribution to the critical study of the "Shiji," offering detailed and reasoned corrections that enhance our understanding of this important historical text. ==References== * 《四庫全書總目提要·卷45 史部·正史類》