Here is a more detailed summary of Ching Shih's legendary career as a pirate:

In the early 19th century, a former prostitute named Ching Shih rose to command the most successful pirate fleet in history. She joined forces with notorious pirate Zhèng Yi in 1801 and took over his Red Flag Fleet when he died six years later. Under her leadership, the fleet grew massive, totaling over 1,500 junks manned by 80,000 pirates.

Ching Shih established strict rules to maintain order, including beheading anyone who disobeyed orders or stole from the common fund. Her pirate code rewarded brave fighters and helped foster loyalty.

This huge pirate armada dominated the South China Sea, known as the "Black Ocean" due to the scarcity of merchants brave enough to sail it. Ching Shih's pirates extorted protection money, raided coastal towns, engaged Navy warships in open combat, and blockaded major ports at will.

The Chinese government could not suppress the pirates, despite repeated attempts. By 1808, Ching Shih commanded an essentially invincible fleet and an iron grip over the region. She even broke a blockade by the Royal Navy and East India Company ships.

In 1810, the government finally offered Ching Shih amnesty for the entire fleet if she stopped attacking ships. As a result, she negotiated to keep all her plunder. Ching Shih retired wealthy in 1810 at age 35, having solidified her position as the most successful pirate captain in history. Her formidable presence on the high seas lives on in legend.
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