Zheng Yi Sao

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Dec 22, 2025

Explore the thrilling world of Zheng Yi Sao, the formidable Pirate Queen of Admin. Rising from poverty to command a vast fleet of 70,000 pirates, she implemented strict rules and offered healthcare and pensions. Discover her clever tactics, like hijacking salt shipments and selling protection certificates to merchants. Her fleet wielded intimidating weapons, outnumbering their foes. Despite facing international pressure, Zheng’s empire thrived until her retirement deal in 1810, ending her life in luxury.

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INSIGHT

From Poverty To Pirate Confederation

Zheng Yi Sao rose from poverty in Guangdong to lead a unified pirate confederation of up to 70,000 people.
Her success combined local knowledge, networking, and exceptional administrative skill in a male-dominated Qing world.

INSIGHT

Colour-Coded Fleet Management

Zheng Yi Sao organised her fleet into six colour-coded squadrons to manage scale and identity.
Simple structural systems like colours enabled command across a vast maritime territory.

ANECDOTE

Widowhood, Adoption And Marriage

After her husband's death in 1807, Zheng Yi Sao secured leadership with support from powerful pirates.
She then married and promoted Cheng Pao, who had been abducted and adopted, blending family and command.

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Dead Funny History: Zheng Yi Sao.

She ruled the South China Sea, terrified navies, and ran her pirate empire with ruthless efficiency – meet Zheng Yi Sao, the Pirate Queen of Admin.

In this family friendly episode of Dead Funny History, historian Greg Jenner dives into the extraordinary life of Zheng Yi Sao, one of the most powerful pirates who ever lived. Born around 1775 in Guangdong, China, Shi Yang (as she was first known) rose from poverty to command a fleet of 70,000 pirates. Her journey began with a job on a boat where she sold secrets to powerful men, and took a dramatic turn when she married the notorious pirate Zheng Yi.

After her husband’s death in 1807 – either by cannon or storm – Zheng Yi Sao took command of the pirate confederation. She wasn’t just a fearsome fighter; she was a master of organisation. She split her fleet into colour-coded squadrons, enforced strict rules (including ear removal for slackers), and offered perks like pensions and healthcare. Her pirates even had a retirement home.

Greg reveals how Zheng Yi Sao’s empire grew through clever business tactics. She sold protection certificates to merchants, hijacked salt shipments, and outnumbered the Qing navy three to one. Her pirates wielded massive 8-foot guns called jingals and swam into battle with machete-tipped poles. At one point, the city of Canton panicked just from a polite warning of attack.

Despite efforts by the Chinese government – and help from the Portuguese and British navies – Zheng Yi Sao remained undefeated. Eventually, she retired in luxury after being paid off by the empire. She may have run an illegal gambling house in her later years, but she died rich and respected in 1844.

With jokes, sound effects, and a quiz to test your memory, this episode is a swashbuckling, spreadsheet-wielding celebration of a pirate legend.

Writers: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse Host: Greg Jenner Performers: Mali Ann Rees and Richard David-Caine Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill Script Consultant: Dr Ron Po Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Production Manager: Jo Kyle Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production