Zheng Yisao & her husband

Zheng Yisao (1775 - 1844)

It's amazing that the story of the Chinese pirate hasn't been made into an American blockbuster long ago. Because her life provides everything it needs: The prostitute from Canton married a powerful pirate leader in 1801 and took over his fleet after his death. Zheng Yisao took on a lover, appointed him commander and established strict laws and a code of conduct for pirates, which was also intended to protect the civilian population. Disobedience and rape were punished with death. She died at the ripe old age of 69, wealthy as an opium smuggler and owner of a thriving casino.