Zheng Yi Sao (1775–1844) rose from obscure origins to command history’s largest pirate confederation, terrorizing the South China Sea from 1801-1810. Following her husband’s death, she masterminded a coalition of 70,000 pirates, defeating Qing and European navies. Forced into negotiations by internal betrayal, she secured an unprecedented pardon, retaining wealth and power. She spent her…

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