Ching Shih, born in poverty in 18th-century China, rose from working in a Cantonese brothel to command the Red Flag Fleet-an armada of over 1,800 ships and up to 80,000 pirates, making her the most successful pirate in history. Renowned for her strict code of laws and formidable leadership, she defeated every major naval power sent against her, including the Chinese, Portuguese, and British navies. After years of dominance, she negotiated a full pardon and retired wealthy and respected, her legend enduring as the Pirate Queen of the South China Sea.
