Cheng I Sao, born in 1785, was a former prostitute-turned pirate during the Qing Dynasty in China. In 1807, following her husband Zheng Yi's death, she took over running his pirating operations, wreaking havoc in the villages along China's coast. In 1810, she was granted amnesty and went on to marry her adoptive son, Cheung Po Tsai.
Timeline
- 1785: Born
- 1801: Married Zheng Yi
- 1807: Took over Yi's pirate operations
- 1810: Career ended after she was granted amnesty
- 1844: Died
References in Modern Day Culture
Because of her notoriety, Sao inspired several stories about her including The Widow Ching, Lady Pirate, written by Luis Borges, and Afterlife, created by Stormcrow Hayes. In addition, she was the inspiration behind Singing Behind Screens, which was based on the Luis Borges book, and the character of Mistress Ching in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.
References
Fast Facts
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Born
1785
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First Spouse
Zheng Yi
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Second Spouse
Cheung Po Tsai
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Fact:
Grew her pirating empire to such a level that she had a larger fleet than most countries' navies
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Died
1844
