Zheng Yi Sao (Ching Shih)
1775–1844 · Chinese (Guangdong) · Qing Dynasty
Known for: The most successful pirate in history—commanded 1,800 ships and 80,000 pirates, defeated the Chinese navy, Portuguese navy, and East India Company, then retired rich
Zheng Yi Sao was a former sex worker who married pirate captain Zheng Yi. When he died in 1807, she took command of the entire confederation—1,800 ships and 80,000 pirates. She imposed a strict code: pirates who raped captives were executed; stolen goods were registered and distributed fairly.
She defeated every navy sent against her and eventually negotiated a peaceful retirement, keeping her loot and receiving an official title. She retired to run a gambling house in Canton and died peacefully at 69. The only major pirate leader who retired wealthy and free.
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