Ching’s fleet were so successful that she was able to levy taxes from coastal villages which wound up the Chinese elite no end. Tax was supposed to belong to the rich, damn it! When the Chinese navy finally tried to take her out in 1810 they failed big time. Ching Shih managed to take 63 of their ships, she gave the crew of the navy’s vessels the option to join her or be beaten to death. Many of them made the obvious choice. One stubborn enemy, according to an eye-witness, had his feet nailed to the floor before being beaten senseless.

In desperation the Chinese officials stooped to the level of asking the mighty British and Portuguese navies to lend an oar. They failed against her might too, her fleet was fearsome indeed.

Later in 1810, in desperation to reach some kind of accord, the Chinese government offered pirates an amnesty. Ching was no fool and managed to draw up a pretty amazing deal for her and her crew. She got to keep her booty and her men were allowed to join the royal navy if they so desired.

She took her money and opened a brothel cum gambling house which she ran until she died in 1844, aged 60.

Shiver me timbers, a happy ending to a real life pirate story? Unheard of. Join us in #2 when we meet the Lioness of Brittany and Anne Bonny, another two females of the pirate persuasion.

☛ More From China: Gripping Photos From Inside The Triad Controlled Kowloon Walled City