Origins & Early Life

Shi Yang (c. 1775–1844) also known as Zheng Yi Sao, Shi Xianggu, Shek Yeung, Quing Shi, and Ching Shih, was a Chinese pirate leader active in the South China Sea from 1801 to 1810. Born Shi Yang in 1775, she married the pirate Zheng Yi at age 26 in 1801. She became known as Zheng Yi Sao ("wife of Zheng Yi") among the Cantonese.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After the death of her husband in 1807, she took control of his pirate confederation with the support of Zheng Yi's adopted son Zhang Bao. She later entered into a relationship with Zhang Bao and eventually married him. While still under Zheng Yi's command in 1805, the fleet consisted of approximately 400 junks and between 40,000 and 70,000 pirates. Her ships engaged in conflict with several major powers, including the British, Portuguese, and Qing Chinese Empires. After suffering a string of defeats at the hands of the Portuguese Navy, in 1810, Zheng Yi Sao negotiated a surrender to Qing authorities that allowed her and Zhang Bao to retain 24 ships and over 1,400 pirates and to avoid prosecution.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She died in 1844 at the age of about 68, having lived a relatively peaceful and prosperous life after her career in piracy. Zheng Yi Sao has been described as history...

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