Courageous Historians
In ancient China, historians were respected and they respected themselves.
These historians wrote history for their kings. It was not only an official text book but also an official record of a nation. Accordingly, a king who employed a historian placed a strong requirement on him.
An official record a historian was to write about a nation where he was employed was expected to satisfy the king of the nation. But some historians would not simply praise kings they served. However such a historian was usually punished by a king.
In one example, a historian did not write a history book in a manner to satisfy a king. So, he was executed by the king. Then a son of the historian succeeded his father to become a new historian. But the new historian also presented truth and plain facts in the book he wrote without making a flattering remark for the king. Then again, the king executed the historian. Finally a son of this brave but tragic historian or a grandson of the first historian for the king took up this important position in the court. He also honestly wrote a history book of the nation, depicting the king and his deeds as he was and they were. Despite anger, the king did not punish this last historian for some reason.
Anyway, writing history was so important and dangerous in ancient China. Official historians working in the court of kingdoms were all under strong pressure. But not all the historians offered adulation to their kings. Truth was reported by some courageous and righteous historians. Or any despot could not completely destroy or distort truth.
Luk 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
Luk 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
Luk 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
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Mar 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.