Madame Zheng (1775-1844) was a Chinese pirate renowned as the most successful female pirate in history. Her biography contains many interesting facts, which we will share in this article.
Here is a brief biography of the pirate Madame Zheng.
The real name and origin of the pirate known in history as “Madame Zheng” are unknown. Madame Zheng was born in 1775 in Guangdong Province, China. According to surviving documents, she was a prostitute before her marriage.
In her youth, she had a romantic relationship with Zheng Yi, who was considered the most famous Chinese pirate of his time. At the age of 26, she became the official wife of the pirate, receiving the new name “Zheng Yi Sao” (Zheng’s wife).
The couple had no children of their own, so they decided to kidnap a 15-year-old boy, Zhang Baozai, from fishermen. After her husband’s death in 1807, Madame Zheng became the head of his Guangdong pirate confederation. At that time, she entered into a relationship with her adopted son, whom she later married.
Pirate Empire
Upon becoming the leader of the pirates, Madame Zheng gained immense power. By then, her fleet numbered hundreds of ships with 40,000 to 60,000 pirates! Soon, she entered into conflicts with several major states, including the East India Company, the Portuguese Empire, and the Qing Dynasty China.
The pirates under Zheng Shi’s (Madame Zheng) command engaged in battles with various ships, taking control of numerous sea routes and territories. It is important to note that she commanded unquestionable authority among the pirates.
On all Zheng Shi’s ships, there was strict discipline. She developed a set of iron rules, violations of which led to severe punishments, including death. Specifically, pirates were forbidden from:
- Giving commands independently or disobeying orders from a superior — punishable by beheading.
- Stealing from the communal treasury.
- Raping captured women — punishable by death.
- Leaving the ship without permission — punishable by cutting off an ear.
- Being unfaithful to one’s wife.
In a short time, Madame Zheng gained absolute obedience and respect among the pirates. It was forbidden to interrupt her during a conversation, challenge her decisions, or ignore her orders. Meanwhile, her young husband, Zhang Baozai, served as the “spiritual leader” of the bandits.
Under Zheng Shi and Zhang Baozai’s leadership, the pirates not only boarded merchant ships off the coast of China but also plundered coastal settlements. This led the Chinese government to seek military assistance from the British and Portuguese.
However, even with the allies’ help, they could not defeat Madame Zheng’s Pirate Confederation. Nevertheless, frequent battles weakened Zheng Shi’s empire, along with internal conflicts among the growing pirate crew. As a result, the pirate leader was forced to consider disbanding the pirate union.
In early 1810, Madame Zheng entered negotiations with the Chinese authorities, which included Governor-General of Liangguang Bai Ling. The parties could not find common ground, adversely affecting the pirate’s situation.
As a result, on April 8, 1810, Zheng Shi, along with her children and tens of thousands of pirates, surrendered to the Guangzhou government. All capitulating pirates were allowed to pursue peaceful professions.
At the time of her surrender, she commanded 24 ships and 1,433 pirates. In 1813, 39-year-old Madame Zheng gave birth to a son with Zhang Baozai. A few years later, she became a widow, settling in Guangzhou, where she ran a gambling den until her death.
Death
Madame Zheng died in 1844 at the age of 69, living a relatively peaceful and prosperous life after her capitulation. She became one of the most successful pirates in history.