China's Famous Lady Pirate
Around the turn of the 19th century in China, lived the dreaded female pirate Ching Yih Saou. Ching's husband was a pirate captain who commanded around 600 ships, and when he was killed, his wife took over the operation. Soon, she expanded her fleet to 800-some large ships and almost 1,00 smaller craft, thanks to her efficiency and organization skills.
Her fleet was divided into six squadrons, each led by a lieutenant, with ships bearing colorful names like Frog's Meal and Scourge of the Eastern Sea. The Chinese emperor at that time tried many times to end her reign of terror, sending out several large fleets which were decimated by the pirates, adding to their ranks. A third try proved better for the emperor, and many of Ching's ships were sunk, but this did not stop them from their murderous raiding.
Finally the emperor tried a different tack, offering a full pardon if Ching and her men would give up their piracy. One lieutenant, along with his 8,000 men and 160 ships agreed, greatly angering Ching. But she soon was won over and agreed to the emperor's offer. But the thrills and easy riches of the outlaw lifestyle were too ingrained by this point, and Ching spent the rest of her days running a large smuggling operation.
lovely history friend
thank you for sharing
resteemid
It's so nice to hear that Ching Yih Souh is also known outside of Asia. May I also add that she is an excellent strategist and, her last strategy was arranging for amnesty relief for her and her followers because, as recorded, they are already on their way to the losing side. She knows! So, she maneuvered her way out intact with their loot! What a wonderful woman!
It might sound differently but, I did not agree with her ways of making a living but, I do salute the woman for being an excellent strategist and a leader!
I'm liking the interesting history tidbits. You dont hear about many female pirates. I'm not sure if it's because there were significantly less than their male counterparts throughout history or because males tend to dominate history books in generally. Patriarchy and all that. I'd like to hear more about woman throughout history who did things that we tend to only assume men did.
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