Explanation of an Expression in Historical Records:On SIMA Qian’s Way of Narration

This paper tries to survey the different explanations of an expression item liangyin recorded in Shang Shu(Records of the Previous Generation) and SIMA Qian’s methodology in dealing with it.In fact,when SIMA cites the relevant passage,he just leaves the question open to later generations.The author here hence points out an important way SIMA as an excellent historian has employed in his Historical Records:truth seeking along his autonomy in treating historical facts.