Zheng: Difference between revisions
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{{Era|Individuals}} | {{Era|Individuals}} | ||
{{Quote|Aye, I've heard tell of her before. She steers her ship like a woman possessed, untouchable by any navy. She plunders and pillages in the South China Sea... Elusive as a ghost, they say!|Rupiya describing | {{Quote|Aye, I've heard tell of her before. She steers her ship like a woman possessed, untouchable by any navy. She plunders and pillages in the South China Sea... Elusive as a ghost, they say!|Rupiya describing Zheng to Edward Kenway, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 48}} | ||
{{Character Infobox | {{Character Infobox | ||
|name = | |name = Zheng | ||
|image = ACFT | |image = ACFT Zheng.png | ||
|death = 1725<ref name="EP 118">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 118|Episode 118]]</ref><br>Coast of [[Indochina]] | |||
|species = [[Human]] | |species = [[Human]] | ||
|affiliates =*[[Lee Huiyin|Lee Trading Company]] | |affiliates = *[[Lee Huiyin|Lee Trading Company]] | ||
*[[Assassins]] | *[[Assassins]] | ||
**[[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins|Chinese Brotherhood]] | **[[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins|Chinese Brotherhood]] | ||
}} | |||
''' | '''Zheng''' (鄭; died 1725),<ref name="EP 118"/> also known as '''Jeong''' (정),<ref name="EP 39">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 39|Episode 39]]</ref> was a [[China|Chinese]] admiral and [[mercenary]] who operated in the {{Wiki|South China Sea}} during the early 18th century. | ||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
===Working for Madam Lee=== | ===Working for Madam Lee=== | ||
{{Quote|Let this pile of ash and rubble be Master Sun's legacy!| | {{Quote|Let this pile of ash and rubble be Master Sun's legacy!|Zheng, shortly before destroying Sun's gambling den, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 38}} | ||
In 1725, | In 1725, Zheng was hired by the [[Macau]]-based businesswoman [[Lee Huiyin]] to aid her trading enterprise against her rival [[Sun (Hualien Trading Company)|Sun]], the head of the [[Hualien Trading Company]]. While Lee's ally [[Fuma Sukuna]] and the [[Shimazu clan|Shimazu]] [[ninja]] in his service attacked Sun's [[Sun's floating gambling hall|floating gambling hall]] to recover a [[Hendrik's sea log|sea log]] in his possession, Zheng stationed her fleet nearby in preparation to wipe out Sun's fleet.<ref name="EP 38">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 38|Episode 38]]</ref> | ||
[[File:ACFT - | [[File:ACFT - Zheng commanding the crew.png|left|thumb|220px|Zheng commanding her crew]] | ||
Before Sukuna and his ninja could recover the sea log, | Before Sukuna and his ninja could recover the sea log, Zheng began her assault of Sun's ship, bombarding it with [[cannon]] and mortar fire.<ref name="EP 38" /> As the admiral took glee in the destruction she caused, she suddenly spotted the [[British Brotherhood of Assassins|British Assassin]] [[Edward Kenway]], whom Lee had marked for death.<ref name="EP 39" /> | ||
Zheng ordered her crew to sink the ship Edward and his companions were using to escape from the destruction of Sun's gambling den, but at that moment one of her own vessels was destroyed by the ''[[Fenghuang]]'', the flagship of Edward's [[Zhawang Corporation|Zhang Wei Union]]. Believing she stood no chance against the ''Fenghuang''{{'}}s powerful armaments, Zheng decided to allow the Union members to escape, telling her men that they would get their chance to hunt them down soon enough.<ref name="EP 39" /> | |||
The following morning, as | The following morning, as Zheng was exploring the wreckage of Sun's gambling den to confirm the [[merchant]]'s death, she was approached by [[Xiao Han]] and his fellow [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins|Chinese Assassins]] [[Liu Qing]] and [[Xue Yan]]. Zheng aimed her [[Flintlock Pistol|pistol]] at them, but after Xiao Han revealed that he had acquired the sea log sought by Lee, the admiral agreed to grant the Assassins an audience with her.<ref name="EP 39" /> | ||
[[File:ACFT - Chinese Assassins meeting with Lee.png|thumb|200px| | [[File:ACFT - Chinese Assassins meeting with Lee.png|thumb|200px|Zheng at Lee's meeting with the Chinese Assassins]] | ||
Zheng was subsequently present for Lee's meeting with the Chinese Assassins at the [[Mandarin's House]], where Xiao Han proposed an alliance to find the lost [[Khmer Empire|Khmer]] city of [[Angkor]] and recover its [[Piece of Eden|treasure]]. When Xiao Han revealed his knowledge of Lee's true name and past, Zheng pointed her pistol at the Assassin, claiming she had heard enough from him.<ref name="EP 40">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 40|Episode 40]]</ref> | |||
However, Lee, interested to hear what Xiao Han had to say, ordered | However, Lee, interested to hear what Xiao Han had to say, ordered Zheng to lower her gun and allowed the Assassin to continue speaking. In the end, Lee agreed to ally with the Chinese Assassins and help them find Angkor's treasure so that they could use it to overthrow the [[Qing dynasty]].<ref name="EP 40" /> | ||
===Pursuing the ''Fenghuang''=== | ===Pursuing the ''Fenghuang''=== | ||
{{Dialogue| | {{Dialogue|Zheng|I've brought us within 700 feet of our prey like you wanted! Are you sure those toys of yours are fit for boarding action?|Xiao Han|You will see for yourself soon enough.|Zheng and Xiao Han, prior to the Chinese Assassins' boarding of the ''Fenghuang'', 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 48}} | ||
When the members of the Zhang Wei Union left Macau to investigate a lead to Angkor's location in the [[Philippines]], | When the members of the Zhang Wei Union left Macau to investigate a lead to Angkor's location in the [[Philippines]], Zheng and her fleet followed them and ambushed the ''Fenghuang'' near [[Manila]]. After the Union members dropped explosive barrels into the water, Zheng's fleet suffered considerable damage, forcing the admiral to take the helm and sail around the barrels. This divided her fleet and allowed the ''Fenghuang'' to sink most of her ships.<ref name="EP 47">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 47|Episode 47]]</ref> | ||
[[File:ACFT - | [[File:ACFT - Zheng and the Chinese Assassins.png|left|thumb|200px|Zheng talking to the Chinese Assassins]] | ||
Despite her own ship being set on fire, | Despite her own ship being set on fire, Zheng remained undeterred and managed to catch up to the ''Fenghuang'', ramming it. The vessel's captain, [[Mustafa|Rupiya]], performed evasive maneuvers to get the ''Fenghuang'' to safety, but unbeknownst to the Zhang Wei Union members, Zheng's true goal was to get close enough for her passengers—Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan—to board the enemy ship.<ref name="EP 48">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 48|Episode 48]]</ref> | ||
After the Chinese Assassins readied themselves with gliders, | After the Chinese Assassins readied themselves with gliders, Zheng asked them if they really thought their plan was going to work. Xiao Han told her to wait and see for herself, and the admiral watched in amazement as the three Assassins soared over her ship and boarded the ''Fenghuang''.<ref name="EP 48" /> | ||
Ultimately, the Chinese Assassins were defeated by Edward's crew and were forced to return to | Ultimately, the Chinese Assassins were defeated by Edward's crew and were forced to return to Zheng's ship via [[parachute]]s. The admiral mocked them for coming back empty-handed before Xiao Han asked if she could resume her pursuit of the ''Fenghuang'' at once. Zheng claimed that she had to call off the chase because Edward had sailed into a storm, but assured Xiao Han that sooner or later they would catch up to the Assassin and make him pay for betraying Madam Lee.<ref name="EP 49">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 49|Episode 49]]</ref> | ||
===Search in the Philippines=== | ===Search in the Philippines=== | ||
{{Dialogue|Lee|You will have our fastest vessel at hand, and I shall make every provision to ensure your smooth sailing, not to mention you may reach me by carrier pigeon.| | {{Dialogue|Lee|You will have our fastest vessel at hand, and I shall make every provision to ensure your smooth sailing, not to mention you may reach me by carrier pigeon.|Zheng|Oh, how kind of you.|Lee to Zheng in Manila, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 58}} | ||
[[File:ACFT - Lee and | [[File:ACFT - Lee and Zheng in Manila.png|thumb|200px|Zheng and Madam Lee in Manila]] | ||
Not long afterwards, | Not long afterwards, Zheng accompanied Lee to Manila, where her employer went to meet with the Lieutenant {{Wiki|Governor-General of the Philippines|Governor-General}} to secure free passage to the Southern Seas. After the meeting, Lee told Zheng that she would provide the admiral with the best ship at their disposal and that she could contact her via [[Pigeon coop|carrier pigeon]] if she encountered difficulties during her search for Angkor's treasure.<ref name="EP 58">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 58|Episode 58]]</ref> | ||
At that moment, Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan arrived, having investigated around the city to uncover details about a recent [[1725 Manila riot|riot]]. The Chinese Assassins told | At that moment, Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan arrived, having investigated around the city to uncover details about a recent [[1725 Manila riot|riot]]. The Chinese Assassins told Zheng and Lee about their findings, informing them that a [[Mad monk|monk]] had used a Piece of Eden—a [[crescent amulet]]—to incite the riot, and that Edward had fought him, but ultimately lost the amulet to members of a native resistance against the [[Spain|Spanish]] colonists.<ref name="EP 58" /> | ||
Xiao Han then claimed that they would travel to [[Cebu]] to investigate their next lead to Angkor's | Xiao Han then claimed that they would travel to [[Cebu]] to investigate their next lead to Angkor's treasure and that they would try to intercept the native warriors and retrieve their stolen Piece of Eden. Lee gave the Chinese Assassins free reign to do as they pleased, and Zheng accompanied them as the group made their way towards Cebu.<ref name="EP 58" /> | ||
En route to their destination, | En route to their destination, Zheng dropped off the Chinese Assassins and Fuma Sukuna on [[Monkey Island]], as the latter's informants had learned that the native resistance's stronghold was located there. However, to their dismay, the group found that the resistance's [[fort]] had already been destroyed and that the native warriors had left for Cebu. Deciding to follow them, the Assassins returned to Zheng, who sailed them to Cebu, while Sukuna and his men stayed behind on the island.<ref name="EP 65">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 65|Episode 65]]</ref> | ||
===Confrontation in Cebu=== | ===Confrontation in Cebu=== | ||
{{Quote|Don't fret, me pretty. We'll not strike until you lot give us the signal! Now, if it please your highness... You'd best hope you don't make a right mess of this on your end.| | {{Quote|Don't fret, me pretty. We'll not strike until you lot give us the signal! Now, if it please your highness... You'd best hope you don't make a right mess of this on your end.|Zheng to Xiao Han upon their arrival in Cebu, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 71}} | ||
[[File:ACFT - | [[File:ACFT - Zheng in Cebu.png|left|thumb|200px|Zheng in Cebu]] | ||
As | As Zheng's fleet approached Cebu, Xiao Han instructed the admiral to wait for his signal to commence her attack. Zheng reassured him that she would do so and warned him not to fail in his task, before Xiao Han and his fellow Chinese Assassins infiltrated the city to look for the crescent amulet.<ref name="EP 71">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 71|Episode 71]]</ref> | ||
While waiting for the Assassins' return, | While waiting for the Assassins' return, Zheng grew impatient and decided to attack the ''Fenghuang'', which was docked nearby. Her lieutenant protested, claiming that they had given their word on the Pirate's Code to wait for Xiao Han's signal, but Zheng dismissed him and claimed that the Code was more of a series of "guidelines" than actual rules. With that, she ordered her entire fleet to engage the ''Fenghuang'', intending to overwhelm it with their superior numbers.<ref name="EP 72">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 72|Episode 72]]</ref> | ||
However, the admiral was caught by surprise when the Zhang Wei Union members shot [[Greek fire]] bombs into the ocean, creating a wall of fire on the water's surface and preventing | However, the admiral was caught by surprise when the Zhang Wei Union members shot [[Greek fire]] bombs into the ocean, creating a wall of fire on the water's surface and preventing Zheng's fleet from passing through. This allowed the ''Fenghuang'' to sail away to safety while Zheng could do nothing but watch as her prey slipped out of her grasp once again.<ref name="EP 73">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 73|Episode 73]]</ref> | ||
===Showdown in Sulu=== | ===Showdown in Sulu=== | ||
{{Quote|They ought to be grateful we didn't rain fire over their heads. All this for that damned artifact they speak of... It serves 'em right for treating old Madam Lee and me like a pair of puppets. The stage is set. Let's see how they each play their part.| | {{Quote|They ought to be grateful we didn't rain fire over their heads. All this for that damned artifact they speak of... It serves 'em right for treating old Madam Lee and me like a pair of puppets. The stage is set. Let's see how they each play their part.|Zheng expressing her resentment of the Chinese Assassins, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 89}} | ||
[[File:ACFT - | [[File:ACFT - Zheng receiving the message.png|thumb|200px|Zheng receiving the Shimazu ninja's message]] | ||
Sometime later, after Fuma Sukuna and his ninja were killed in an ambush by the Zhang Wei Union, a [[raven]] that came to feed on the dead bodies was given a note by one of the mortally wounded ninja. The raven flew to | Sometime later, after Fuma Sukuna and his ninja were killed in an ambush by the Zhang Wei Union, a [[raven]] that came to feed on the dead bodies was given a note by one of the mortally wounded ninja. The raven flew to Zheng's ship, where the admiral received the message and informed Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan of the ninja's defeat. However, she also claimed that the Union appeared to have suffered heavy casualties, prompting her to set a course for the [[Sultanate of Sulu]] in order to pursue and eliminate their enemies.<ref name="EP 86">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 86|Episode 86]]</ref> | ||
In Sulu, | In Sulu, Zheng dropped off the Chinese Assassins near a warehouse where the crescent amulet was stored, to allow them to retrieve it. However, having grown weary of being treated like the Assassins' minion, Zheng decided to hinder their mission as payback and ordered her crew to fire on the warehouse, partially destroying it.<ref name="EP 89">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 89|Episode 89]]</ref> | ||
Not long after, | Not long after, Zheng watched through her spyglass as the Chinese Assassins took the Zhang Wei Union's [[doctor]] [[Xialun Qing]] hostage and attempted to strike a deal with Edward Kenway, promising to release Qing if Edward allowed them to leave with the amulet. Finding the idea of negotiating with the enemy "boring", Zheng decided to make things more interesting and ordered her crew to open fire on both the Chinese Assassins and the Union members.<ref name="EP 90">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 90|Episode 90]]</ref> | ||
[[File:ACFT - | [[File:ACFT - Zheng sailing to shore.png|left|thumb|220px|Zheng sailing towards Sulu's shore]] | ||
In the resulting chaos, Edward seized the amulet and used it to defeat Xiao Han, while Liu Qing was shot and knocked down by [[John Young]]. Disappointed by the Chinese Assassins' defeat, | In the resulting chaos, Edward seized the amulet and used it to defeat Xiao Han, while Liu Qing was shot and knocked down by [[John Young]]. Disappointed by the Chinese Assassins' defeat, Zheng reluctantly decided to sail to their rescue, as Madam Lee had ordered her to keep the Assassins alive.<ref name="EP 91">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 91|Episode 91]]</ref> | ||
However, | However, Zheng's fleet was unable to reach the shore due to the ''Fenghuang'', which [[Battle of Sulu|engaged]] the admiral's ships. Nevertheless, the Chinese Assassins returned to Zheng's vessel with the amulet, while the ''Fenghuang'' eventually retreated. With the artifact in their possession, Zheng and the Assassins decided against pursuing their enemies and instead prepared to deliver the amulet to Lee.<ref name="EP 92">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 92|Episode 92]]</ref> | ||
==Personality and traits== | ==Personality and traits== | ||
{{Quote|And what's this talk of honor among thieves? All naught but worthless bilge. Aye... this'll not do, not one bit! Life for life, and blood for blood! Now ''there's'' a law I can get behind!| | {{Quote|And what's this talk of honor among thieves? All naught but worthless bilge. Aye... this'll not do, not one bit! Life for life, and blood for blood! Now ''there's'' a law I can get behind!|Zheng, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 90}} | ||
Zheng was a highly unpredictable woman, being able to switch moods from calm and collected to excited or angry almost in an instant. She also enjoyed the thrill of battle and the sight of chaos and destruction, be it caused by her or someone else.<ref name="EP 39" /> It was Zheng's love of navigation and plundering ships that led her to gain a reputation as one of the most infamous captains in the South China Sea. That being said, she rarely took the helm herself, only doing so when facing an opponent that she deemed a "worthy prey".<ref name="EP 48" /> | |||
[[File:ACFT - | [[File:ACFT - Zheng at the helm.png|thumb|200px|Zheng at the helm of her ship]] | ||
Despite her unpredictable nature, | Despite her unpredictable nature, Zheng remained loyal to Madam Lee and followed her every command, making the admiral one of Lee's most valuable assets. When Xiao Han began to speak of Lee's sensitive past, Zheng immediately pointed her pistol at the Assassin to stop him, but Lee overruled the admiral and allowed Xiao Han to continue talking.<ref name="EP 40" /> | ||
However, this sense of loyalty did not extend to her Assassin allies. Upon spotting the ''Fenghuang'' docked in Cebu, | However, this sense of loyalty did not extend to her Assassin allies. Upon spotting the ''Fenghuang'' docked in Cebu, Zheng immediately decided to attack it, breaking her promise to Xiao Han to wait for his return.<ref name="EP 72" /> Similarly, in Sulu, Zheng ordered her crew to fire at the Assassins during their standoff with Edward Kenway and his allies, finding the idea of peaceful negotiations "boring" and wishing to see the Assassins and their enemies kill each other.<ref name="EP 90" /> This was in part due to Zheng resenting Xiao Han for treating her and Madam Lee like a "pair of puppets."<ref name="EP 89" /> | ||
===Skills and equipment=== | ===Skills and equipment=== | ||
Zheng's skills as a navigator had earned her a legendary reputation among the sea captains in [[Southeast Asia]]. In addition to possessing incredibly quick reflexes which allowed her to avoid dangers like fire barrels in the water, she personally trained her crew, who shared her relentlessness when it came to pursuing their targets.<ref name="EP 48" /> | |||
In terms of weaponry, | In terms of weaponry, Zheng carried on her at all times a [[rapier]] [[sword]] and a flintlock pistol.<ref name="EP 39" /> | ||
==Behind the scenes== | ==Behind the scenes== | ||
Admiral | Admiral Zheng is a character introduced in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]''. Although she is a woman, Madam Lee refers to her as a "boy" in [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 27|Episode 27]] of the webtoon for unknown reasons; this may be a translation error. | ||
===Etymology=== | ===Etymology=== | ||
Zheng (鄭) is a Chinese surname originating from an {{Wiki|Zheng (state)|ancient state}} in the [[Henan]] province of China.<ref>{{WP|Zheng (surname)}}</ref> In [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 39|Episode 39]] of the ''Forgotten Temple'', the character is called "Admiral Jeong", with Jeong (정) being the [[Korea]]n transliteration of 鄭. In Korean, the name can alternatively be spelled as Jung, Chung, Joung or Jong.<ref>{{WP|Jung (Korean surname)}}</ref> | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery widths="180" position="center" captionalign="center"> | <gallery widths="180" position="center" captionalign="center"> | ||
ACFT | ACFT Zheng closeup.png|Close-up of Zheng | ||
ACFT - | ACFT - Zheng and lieutenant.png|Zheng with her lieutenant | ||
ACFT - | ACFT - Zheng aiming.png|Zheng aiming her pistol | ||
ACFT - | ACFT - Zheng looking through spyglass.png|Zheng looking through a spyglass | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
{{ACFT}} | {{ACFT}} | ||
[[Category:1725 deaths]] | |||
[[Category:Individuals]] | [[Category:Individuals]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Qing people]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Han Chinese]] | ||
[[Category:Admirals]] | [[Category:Admirals]] | ||
[[Category:Mercenaries]] | [[Category:Mercenaries]] | ||
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[[Category:Pirate captains]] | [[Category:Pirate captains]] | ||
[[Category:Assassin allies]] | [[Category:Assassin allies]] | ||
[[Category:Zheng (鄭) lineage]] | |||
Latest revision as of 14:12, 4 August 2025
Zheng (鄭; died 1725),[1] also known as Jeong (정),[2] was a Chinese admiral and mercenary who operated in the South China Sea during the early 18th century.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Working for Madam Lee[edit | edit source]
In 1725, Zheng was hired by the Macau-based businesswoman Lee Huiyin to aid her trading enterprise against her rival Sun, the head of the Hualien Trading Company. While Lee's ally Fuma Sukuna and the Shimazu ninja in his service attacked Sun's floating gambling hall to recover a sea log in his possession, Zheng stationed her fleet nearby in preparation to wipe out Sun's fleet.[3]
Before Sukuna and his ninja could recover the sea log, Zheng began her assault of Sun's ship, bombarding it with cannon and mortar fire.[3] As the admiral took glee in the destruction she caused, she suddenly spotted the British Assassin Edward Kenway, whom Lee had marked for death.[2]
Zheng ordered her crew to sink the ship Edward and his companions were using to escape from the destruction of Sun's gambling den, but at that moment one of her own vessels was destroyed by the Fenghuang, the flagship of Edward's Zhang Wei Union. Believing she stood no chance against the Fenghuang's powerful armaments, Zheng decided to allow the Union members to escape, telling her men that they would get their chance to hunt them down soon enough.[2]
The following morning, as Zheng was exploring the wreckage of Sun's gambling den to confirm the merchant's death, she was approached by Xiao Han and his fellow Chinese Assassins Liu Qing and Xue Yan. Zheng aimed her pistol at them, but after Xiao Han revealed that he had acquired the sea log sought by Lee, the admiral agreed to grant the Assassins an audience with her.[2]
Zheng was subsequently present for Lee's meeting with the Chinese Assassins at the Mandarin's House, where Xiao Han proposed an alliance to find the lost Khmer city of Angkor and recover its treasure. When Xiao Han revealed his knowledge of Lee's true name and past, Zheng pointed her pistol at the Assassin, claiming she had heard enough from him.[4]
However, Lee, interested to hear what Xiao Han had to say, ordered Zheng to lower her gun and allowed the Assassin to continue speaking. In the end, Lee agreed to ally with the Chinese Assassins and help them find Angkor's treasure so that they could use it to overthrow the Qing dynasty.[4]
Pursuing the Fenghuang[edit | edit source]
When the members of the Zhang Wei Union left Macau to investigate a lead to Angkor's location in the Philippines, Zheng and her fleet followed them and ambushed the Fenghuang near Manila. After the Union members dropped explosive barrels into the water, Zheng's fleet suffered considerable damage, forcing the admiral to take the helm and sail around the barrels. This divided her fleet and allowed the Fenghuang to sink most of her ships.[5]
Despite her own ship being set on fire, Zheng remained undeterred and managed to catch up to the Fenghuang, ramming it. The vessel's captain, Rupiya, performed evasive maneuvers to get the Fenghuang to safety, but unbeknownst to the Zhang Wei Union members, Zheng's true goal was to get close enough for her passengers—Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan—to board the enemy ship.[6]
After the Chinese Assassins readied themselves with gliders, Zheng asked them if they really thought their plan was going to work. Xiao Han told her to wait and see for herself, and the admiral watched in amazement as the three Assassins soared over her ship and boarded the Fenghuang.[6]
Ultimately, the Chinese Assassins were defeated by Edward's crew and were forced to return to Zheng's ship via parachutes. The admiral mocked them for coming back empty-handed before Xiao Han asked if she could resume her pursuit of the Fenghuang at once. Zheng claimed that she had to call off the chase because Edward had sailed into a storm, but assured Xiao Han that sooner or later they would catch up to the Assassin and make him pay for betraying Madam Lee.[7]
Search in the Philippines[edit | edit source]
Not long afterwards, Zheng accompanied Lee to Manila, where her employer went to meet with the Lieutenant Governor-General to secure free passage to the Southern Seas. After the meeting, Lee told Zheng that she would provide the admiral with the best ship at their disposal and that she could contact her via carrier pigeon if she encountered difficulties during her search for Angkor's treasure.[8]
At that moment, Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan arrived, having investigated around the city to uncover details about a recent riot. The Chinese Assassins told Zheng and Lee about their findings, informing them that a monk had used a Piece of Eden—a crescent amulet—to incite the riot, and that Edward had fought him, but ultimately lost the amulet to members of a native resistance against the Spanish colonists.[8]
Xiao Han then claimed that they would travel to Cebu to investigate their next lead to Angkor's treasure and that they would try to intercept the native warriors and retrieve their stolen Piece of Eden. Lee gave the Chinese Assassins free reign to do as they pleased, and Zheng accompanied them as the group made their way towards Cebu.[8]
En route to their destination, Zheng dropped off the Chinese Assassins and Fuma Sukuna on Monkey Island, as the latter's informants had learned that the native resistance's stronghold was located there. However, to their dismay, the group found that the resistance's fort had already been destroyed and that the native warriors had left for Cebu. Deciding to follow them, the Assassins returned to Zheng, who sailed them to Cebu, while Sukuna and his men stayed behind on the island.[9]
Confrontation in Cebu[edit | edit source]
As Zheng's fleet approached Cebu, Xiao Han instructed the admiral to wait for his signal to commence her attack. Zheng reassured him that she would do so and warned him not to fail in his task, before Xiao Han and his fellow Chinese Assassins infiltrated the city to look for the crescent amulet.[10]
While waiting for the Assassins' return, Zheng grew impatient and decided to attack the Fenghuang, which was docked nearby. Her lieutenant protested, claiming that they had given their word on the Pirate's Code to wait for Xiao Han's signal, but Zheng dismissed him and claimed that the Code was more of a series of "guidelines" than actual rules. With that, she ordered her entire fleet to engage the Fenghuang, intending to overwhelm it with their superior numbers.[11]
However, the admiral was caught by surprise when the Zhang Wei Union members shot Greek fire bombs into the ocean, creating a wall of fire on the water's surface and preventing Zheng's fleet from passing through. This allowed the Fenghuang to sail away to safety while Zheng could do nothing but watch as her prey slipped out of her grasp once again.[12]
Showdown in Sulu[edit | edit source]
- "They ought to be grateful we didn't rain fire over their heads. All this for that damned artifact they speak of... It serves 'em right for treating old Madam Lee and me like a pair of puppets. The stage is set. Let's see how they each play their part."
- ―Zheng expressing her resentment of the Chinese Assassins, 1725.[src]-[m]
Sometime later, after Fuma Sukuna and his ninja were killed in an ambush by the Zhang Wei Union, a raven that came to feed on the dead bodies was given a note by one of the mortally wounded ninja. The raven flew to Zheng's ship, where the admiral received the message and informed Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan of the ninja's defeat. However, she also claimed that the Union appeared to have suffered heavy casualties, prompting her to set a course for the Sultanate of Sulu in order to pursue and eliminate their enemies.[13]
In Sulu, Zheng dropped off the Chinese Assassins near a warehouse where the crescent amulet was stored, to allow them to retrieve it. However, having grown weary of being treated like the Assassins' minion, Zheng decided to hinder their mission as payback and ordered her crew to fire on the warehouse, partially destroying it.[14]
Not long after, Zheng watched through her spyglass as the Chinese Assassins took the Zhang Wei Union's doctor Xialun Qing hostage and attempted to strike a deal with Edward Kenway, promising to release Qing if Edward allowed them to leave with the amulet. Finding the idea of negotiating with the enemy "boring", Zheng decided to make things more interesting and ordered her crew to open fire on both the Chinese Assassins and the Union members.[15]
In the resulting chaos, Edward seized the amulet and used it to defeat Xiao Han, while Liu Qing was shot and knocked down by John Young. Disappointed by the Chinese Assassins' defeat, Zheng reluctantly decided to sail to their rescue, as Madam Lee had ordered her to keep the Assassins alive.[16]
However, Zheng's fleet was unable to reach the shore due to the Fenghuang, which engaged the admiral's ships. Nevertheless, the Chinese Assassins returned to Zheng's vessel with the amulet, while the Fenghuang eventually retreated. With the artifact in their possession, Zheng and the Assassins decided against pursuing their enemies and instead prepared to deliver the amulet to Lee.[17]
Personality and traits[edit | edit source]
Zheng was a highly unpredictable woman, being able to switch moods from calm and collected to excited or angry almost in an instant. She also enjoyed the thrill of battle and the sight of chaos and destruction, be it caused by her or someone else.[2] It was Zheng's love of navigation and plundering ships that led her to gain a reputation as one of the most infamous captains in the South China Sea. That being said, she rarely took the helm herself, only doing so when facing an opponent that she deemed a "worthy prey".[6]
Despite her unpredictable nature, Zheng remained loyal to Madam Lee and followed her every command, making the admiral one of Lee's most valuable assets. When Xiao Han began to speak of Lee's sensitive past, Zheng immediately pointed her pistol at the Assassin to stop him, but Lee overruled the admiral and allowed Xiao Han to continue talking.[4]
However, this sense of loyalty did not extend to her Assassin allies. Upon spotting the Fenghuang docked in Cebu, Zheng immediately decided to attack it, breaking her promise to Xiao Han to wait for his return.[11] Similarly, in Sulu, Zheng ordered her crew to fire at the Assassins during their standoff with Edward Kenway and his allies, finding the idea of peaceful negotiations "boring" and wishing to see the Assassins and their enemies kill each other.[15] This was in part due to Zheng resenting Xiao Han for treating her and Madam Lee like a "pair of puppets."[14]
Skills and equipment[edit | edit source]
Zheng's skills as a navigator had earned her a legendary reputation among the sea captains in Southeast Asia. In addition to possessing incredibly quick reflexes which allowed her to avoid dangers like fire barrels in the water, she personally trained her crew, who shared her relentlessness when it came to pursuing their targets.[6]
In terms of weaponry, Zheng carried on her at all times a rapier sword and a flintlock pistol.[2]
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
Admiral Zheng is a character introduced in Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple. Although she is a woman, Madam Lee refers to her as a "boy" in Episode 27 of the webtoon for unknown reasons; this may be a translation error.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
Zheng (鄭) is a Chinese surname originating from an ancient state in the Henan province of China.[18] In Episode 39 of the Forgotten Temple, the character is called "Admiral Jeong", with Jeong (정) being the Korean transliteration of 鄭. In Korean, the name can alternatively be spelled as Jung, Chung, Joung or Jong.[19]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
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Close-up of Zheng -
Zheng with her lieutenant -
Zheng aiming her pistol -
Zheng looking through a spyglass
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 118
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 39
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 38
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 40
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 47
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 48
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 49
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 58
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 65
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 71
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 72
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 73
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 86
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 89
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 90
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 91
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 92
- ↑
Zheng (surname) on Wikipedia
- ↑ Jung (Korean surname) on Wikipedia