奋不顾身 — “To act courageously and disregard personal safety”

The idiom "Fen Bu Gu Shen" (奋不顾身) means to bravely rush forward, disregarding one's personal safety. This idiom originates from "The Biography of Sima Qian" in the "Book of Han."

During the Western Han Dynasty, General Li Ling, a skilled archer and tactician, was highly trusted by Emperor Wu. He was appointed to lead a cavalry unit against the invading Xiongnu. In a fierce battle, Li Ling's forces, despite their valiant fight, were vastly outnumbered, ran out of supplies, and had their retreat cut off. Faced with overwhelming odds and heavy casualties, Li Ling was forced to surrender to the Xiongnu.

Upon hearing of Li Ling's surrender, Emperor Wu was furious, believing Li Ling had disgraced his trust. Most court officials condemned Li Ling for his lack of integrity. However, Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, held a different view. He stated, "Though I have no personal ties with Li Ling, I have observed his character: he is filial to his parents, trustworthy to his soldiers, incorruptible with wealth, and always wished to bravely sacrifice himself for the nation's urgent needs. I believe Li Ling's surrender, leading fewer than five thousand men against tens of thousands of enemies, after suffering heavy losses and running out of provisions, was an unavoidable outcome. Furthermore, I believe his surrender was not out of a desire to cling to life, but rather to await a favorable moment to repay the nation."

Sima Qian's eloquent defense, though reasonable, was interpreted by Emperor Wu as an attempt to justify Li Ling's actions and blur the lines between right and wrong. As a result, Sima Qian was imprisoned and subjected to the humiliating "palace punishment" (castration). Later, Emperor Wu ordered the execution of Li Ling's entire family. Deeply heartbroken upon learning this, Li Ling married and settled in Xiongnu territory, never returning to his homeland, thus failing to fulfill his lifelong wish of bravely sacrificing himself for his country.