He was born Zheng Wenxian in 1765 in Xin'an County, Guangdong, Qing China. His family, including his father Zheng Lianchang and his younger brother Zheng San had been pirates for generations, he was heavily involved in government intrigue and was instrumental in China's interventions during the Tây Sơn dynasty's control of Vietnam. In the year of about 1798, Zheng Yi kidnapped Cheung Po (), a 15-year-old son of a Tankan fisherman and pressed him into piracy. Cheung Po's natural talent helped him adapt well to his unplanned new career, and he rose swiftly through the ranks.