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.