Sign-In
Cart
Terms of Surrender: The True Story of Zheng Yi Sao, the Pirate Who Beat an Empire and Walked Away Rich For Teens
Paperback
Publisher: SD
Published: Sep 2 2026
Pages: 228
Weight: 0.51
Height: 0.52 Width: 5.00 Depth: 8.00
Language: English
She commanded more ships than most navies and we don't know her name.
Not her nickname. Her actual name - the one her parents used. It didn't survive. What comes down to us instead are two labels, Ching Shih and Zheng Yi Sao, and neither one is a name. Both mean roughly the same thing: the wife of a man named Zheng Yi, who died in 1807 and whose main significance is that he married her.
Between 1807 and 1810 she ran the largest pirate operation in recorded history along the coast of southern China. She wrote a legal code and enforced it with executions. She sold printed safe-passage permits and collected what amounted to taxes from an entire coastline. She kept account books, ran a supply chain, and maintained an intelligence network that regularly knew where the imperial navy would be before it got there. The Qing Empire sent fleets against her and lost them. It borrowed Portuguese warships and still couldn't finish the job.
Then she walked into the governor-general's office in Guangzhou, negotiated in person, and got amnesty for seventeen thousand of her people, permission to keep everything they had stolen, and a military commission for her second husband. She died in bed at sixty-eight or sixty-nine, wealthy, thirty-four years later.
Most of what circulates about her is wrong. The famous story about her negotiating half the fleet as a marriage condition appears in no source from her lifetime. The figure of eighty thousand pirates is an estimate that grew every time it was repeated. Several widely quoted details come from a short story written in 1935 by an author who said outright that he was making things up.
This book separates what is documented from what was invented, and shows the reasoning at every step. Twelve boxed entries trace individual claims back to their earliest appearance and rate them: documented, probable, thin, or invented. Three more put raw historical evidence in front of the reader - clauses from her code, the description of a safe-conduct pass, the testimony of an English officer held aboard her ships for eleven weeks.
It does not sand off the difficult parts. Her fleet burned villages and killed people who wouldn't pay. Her code punished the rape of captives with death, and the same code assigned captured women to crewmen as wives. She was not a hero. She was extraordinarily good at running a violent organization, and those are different things.
For readers 13 and up. Includes a timeline distinguishing firm dates from disputed ones, a guide to Chinese naming and romanization, a cast of characters noting how well documented each person is, an annotated list of sources, and an appendix on how to check a historical claim - a method that works on far more than pirates.
Also from
Kensley, Liora
The Library of a Thousand Questions: The Story of the Library of Alexandria for Kids
Kensley, Liora
Paperback
What Jehanne Signed: Joan of Arc Her Trial and Her Choices A Biography for Teens
Kensley, Liora
Paperback
Also in
Young Adult Nonfiction
Consider the Platypus: Evolution Through Biology's Most Baffling Beasts
Sandford, Maggie Ryan
Hardcover
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Stress Free: Adult Coloring Book with 31 Designs Flowers, Mandalas & Nature Perforated Pages, Spiral Bound Gift for A
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Calm (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Gray Smith, Monique
Kimmerer, Robin Wall
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: Exercises to Learn, Practice, and Improve
Briggs, Missy
Paperback
GED Test Prep Plus, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 60+ Online Videos
Van Slyke, Caren
Kaplan Test Prep
Paperback
Stealing Saint Nick: A Legendary Corpse, a Notorious Theft, and the Stories That Shape the World
Anderson, M. T.
Hardcover
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice
Stevenson, Bryan
Paperback
GED Test Prep, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 40+ Online Videos
Kaplan Test Prep
Van Slyke, Caren
Paperback
Be Yourself and Other Bad Advice: A Teen Girl's Guide to Unlearning the Rules
Walker, Meredith
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Forest (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Ocean Treasures (13 Images to Sticker)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Brain Games
Paperback
Welcome to Sex!: (An Inclusive Guide to Sex, Sexuality, Consent, Relationships, Contraception, and Sexual Health for Teens)
Kang, Melissa
Stynes, Yumi
Hardcover
We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World
Yousafzai, Malala
Paperback
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers)
Noah, Trevor
Paperback
Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls: Prompts and Practices to Inspire Confidence and Celebrate You
Whitehead, Cindy
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Mindfulness (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
SAT Study Guide Premium, 2027: 3 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice and Video Lessons
Stewart, Brian W., M. Ed
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 in One Big Fat Notebook
Workman Publishing
Wang, Jason
Paperback
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning
Kendi, Ibram X.
Reynolds, Jason
Paperback
Color & Frame - Ocean Treasures (Adult Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Flowers (28 Images to Sticker)
New Seasons
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Getting Started with Arduino: The Open Source Electronics Prototyping Platform
Banzi, Massimo
Shiloh, Michael
Paperback
The Super Easy Teen Baking Cookbook: 60 Simple Step-By-Step Recipes
Schotland, Marlynn Jayme
Paperback
Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Combs, Alex L.
Eakett, Andrew
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: A cursive writing practice workbook for young adults and teens
Lalgudi, Sujatha
Hippidoo
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Biology in One Big Fat Notebook
Brown, Matthew
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook
Needham, Christy
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number: Butterflies - Stress-Free Adult Coloring Book with Tear-Out Pages Relaxing Activity for Paint by Number Lovers Gift for
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
Paperback
The Big Fat High School Algebra 1 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 1 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover
Everything You Need to Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook
Workman Publishing
Swanson, Jennifer
Paperback
I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond
Burkholder, Steve
Paperback
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: Faa-H-8083-25c
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Paperback
An Astonishing Circle: The Discovery and Denial of the Circulatory System
Parrott-Ryan, Maria
Paperback
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Novgorodoff, Danica
Subramanian, Meera
Hardcover
ACT Study Guide Premium, 2026: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice for the New Enhanced ACT
Stewart, Brian, M. Ed
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace U.S. History in One Big Fat Notebook, 2nd Edition: The Complete Middle School Study Guide
Workman Publishing
Paperback
A Tale of a Service Animal: A Heartwarming Tale of Disability Awareness, Friendship, and Kindness (Large Print Edition)
DiVietri, Melissa A.
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Garden (28 Images to Sticker)
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Your Brain's Not Broken for Teens and Young Adults: Strategies for Your Life with ADHD
Rosier Tamara Phd
Paperback
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
Ganda, Martin
Alifirenka, Caitlin
Paperback
Mindfulness Coloring Book for Teens: Reduce Anxiety, Increase Focus, and Spark Creativity
Rockridge Press
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Smile Every Day
New Seasons
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
The Real Rosalind: The Truth about Rosalind Franklin's DNA Discovery and How It Was Erased
Dunn, Debbie Loren
Fox, Janet
Paperback
72 Prácticas Estoicas: Guía práctica de estoicismo para pensar con claridad y sufrir menos
Guerrero, Moisés
Paperback
How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance
Chatzky, Jean
Tuggle, Kathryn
Paperback
American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation
Rosenstock, Barb
Hardcover
My First Complete Learning Library: Boxset of 20 Board Books Gift Set for Kids
Wonder House Books
Hardcover
The Audhd Teen Survival Guide: Develop Self-Knowledge, Confidence, and Thrive as an Audhder!
Ali, Sonia
Paperback
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets about Money--That You Don't Learn in School!
Kiyosaki, Robert T.
Paperback
Azadi Means Freedom: Fighting for Gender Equity Through the World's Most Popular Game
Shojaei, Maryam
Hardcover
Crochet for Beginners: Step-By-Step Instructions and Patterns
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Instant Pot Favorites: Fast, Fresh and Foolproof Recipes for Your Electric Pressure Cooker
Publications International Ltd
Hardcover
Small Victories: A Coloring Book of Little Wins and Miniature Masterpieces
Basford, Johanna
Paperback
Five Nights at Freddy's Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded Edition (an Afk Book)
Cawthon, Scott
Hardcover
The Big Fat High School Algebra 2 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 2 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Master Guide to Drawing Anime: How to Draw Original Characters from Simple Templates - A How to Draw Anime / Manga Step by Step Book Series
Hart, Christopher
Paperback
Integers and Order of Operations Math Workbook 6th to 8th Grade: Middle School Integers Workbook, PEMDAS
Publishing, Mathflare
Paperback
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Subramanian, Meera
Novgorodoff, Danica
Paperback
Warriors Don't Cry: The Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High
Beals, Melba Pattillo
Paperback
Neurodiversity for Teen Girls: Shine Bright as You Embrace Your Brain, Your Emotions, and Your Life
Roberts, Jamie D.
Paperback
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds
Hirsch, Rebecca E.
Paperback
The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Color & Frame - Country Gardens (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Personal Finance Doodle Notes: Brain Based Interactive Guided Notes
Giraffe, Math
Danziger, Brigid
Paperback
Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-Breaking Adventures
Gibson, Karen Bush
Paperback
Five Nights at Freddy's: The Official Art and Making of the Movies
Spinner, Cala
Cawthon, Scott
Hardcover
99 Things to Do Before You Finish High School (Revised and Updated)
Stalder, Erika
Villas, Evan
Jenkins, Steven
Paperback
La Aventura del Tarot: La Guía de Un Amigo Para No Perderte En El Camino / The Tarot Adventure: Find Your Path
Ramírez, Patricio
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number - Large Print: Patterns (Stress Free Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
New Seasons
Paperback
Lana del Rey: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of the Timeless Indie-Pop Icon
Fragassi, Selena
Hardcover
The Vocabulary Workbook for 8th Grade: Weekly Activities to Boost Your Word Power
McLellan, Kelly Anne
Paperback
The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs: 70+ Teen-Tested and Teen-Approved Recipes to Cook, Eat and Share
America's Test Kitchen Kids
Hardcover
Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises For Kids And Teens Who Play Competitive Sports
Horne, Troy
Horne, Moses
Paperback
Water Bears in Space: How Tardigrades Could Help Humans on Earth and Beyond
Goldsmith, Connie
Hardcover
Just Mercy (Movie Tie-In Edition, Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice
Stevenson, Bryan
Paperback
The Case for Christ Student Edition: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration
Nimura, Tamiko
Abe, Frank
Paperback
A 5 Is Against the Law: Social Boundaries - a Compassionate but Honest Guide for Teens and Young Adults
Dunn Buron, Kari
Paperback
So, It's Your First Job: A Quick-Ish Guide to Navigating the Working World
Orozco-Onyskin, Mari
Paperback
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover
Print Handwriting Workbook for Teens: Improve your printing handwriting & practice print penmanship workbook for teens and tweens
Hippidoo
Lalgudi, Sujatha
Paperback
The Mindfulness Journal for Teens: Prompts and Practices to Help You Stay Cool, Calm, and Present
Battistin, Jennie Marie, Ma Lmft
Paperback