In 99 BC, Sima Qian became embroiled in the Li Ling affair, where Li Ling and Li Guangli ( 李廣利 ), two military officers who led a campaign against the Xiongnu in the north, were defeated and taken captive.

104 – 100 BC: Li Guangli conquers Dayuan in the Ferghana Valley.

Enraged, and thinking Dayuan weak, the Chinese Emperor in 104 BCE sent out Li Guangli, the brother of his favorite concubine.

Emperor Wudi responded by giving Li Guangli a much larger army along with a huge number of oxen, donkeys and camels to carry supplies.

The nobles of Ershi killed their king and sent his head to Li Guangli, offering the Chinese all the horses they wanted.

Sometime prior to 108 BCE, these Jews had migrated to Gansu province, China and were spotted by the Chinese general Li Guangli, who was sent to expand the borders of Han Dynasty China.

He favored several other concubines, including Consort Li ( the sister of Li Guangli and Li Yannian ) and Consort Zhao.