The Chinese Pirate Queen who Protected Women

[orangecrush]

A real person.




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Zheng Yi Sao: The Powerful Woman that Became the Most Feared ...
Zheng Yi Sao (1775–1844), born Shi Yang and also known as Ching Shih, was a19th-century Chinese pirate queen who commanded the massive Red Flag Fleet. After marrying pirate Zheng Yi in 1801, she co-led a vast, disciplined, and highly successful pirate confederation, taking full control after his death in 1807.

Wikipedia
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Key Details About Zheng Yi Sao:
Background and Marriage: Born in 1775, she was likely working in a Cantonese "flower boat" (floating brothel) before marrying Zheng Yi in 1801. Legend suggests she insisted on 50% control of his fleet and fortune upon marriage.
Rise to Power: Following her husband’s death in 1807, she assumed leadership, forming a strategic partnership and later marrying her stepson, Cheung Po Tsai (Zhang Bao).
Command and Discipline: At her peak, she commanded over 60,000 to 70,000 pirates and hundreds (some reports say up to 1,800) of vessels. She ran the fleet with strict rules, enforcing equality, enforcing discipline, and protecting female captives."
- Google search

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[magicarpet]

1. Well,... that was a nice nano breakaway for the mind.

Thanks for publicizing the link.

[orangecrush]

3. Pretty incredible woman

[Danascot]

2. That's so cool!

Thanks for that bit of history that I'd never heard of til now.

[orangecrush]

4. I just learned about it right before posting

And I studied Chinese martial arts for a decade.