In autumn 2021, a tragedy struck Zhumiao village, Shangqiu city, Henan province, when Feng Yaping's brother-in-law died in a work accident. Immediately after the funeral, his wife disappeared, abandoning their five young children. The oldest was 12 years old, and the youngest was just four months old. As relatives gathered to discuss placing the children for adoption, one niece clung to Yaping, crying, "Auntie, please don't let me go. I'll even drink thin porridge with you." Seeing the children fighting over half a bowl of cold porridge and the youngest turning blue from hunger, Yaping, then 29 years old, made a life-changing decision: she would take all five into her home.

Yaping's resolve stemmed from a deep sense of gratitude for past kindness. When she first married into the family, she fell seriously ill. Her sisters-in-law put aside their own housework, sleeping on the hospital floor for half a month to care for her. "They helped me in my time of trouble; now that the family faces hardship, I must be the one to bear the burden," she explained.

Feng Yaping in Henan province with her biological children and orphaned nieces and nephews. Photo: Sohu

At the time, Yaping and her husband, Xiao Tao, already had two daughters and were burdened by debt. The sudden addition of five more children meant nine mouths to feed, causing Xiao Tao to initially react strongly, even demanding a divorce. Holding the four-month-old nephew, Yaping pleaded, explaining that if their family did not care for them, the children would have no one. Xiao Tao eventually agreed, taking on work as a construction worker far from home year-round and sending his wages back to his wife.

Yaping quit her job at a jewelry store to dedicate herself to the children's care. Her days became a relentless cycle of work: pushing a street vendor cart at the market, and in the evenings, taking on wig processing work. The demands were immense; once, all five children fell ill simultaneously, and Yaping spent three days and nights in the clinic hallway, tending to them.

This busy schedule sometimes led to Yaping neglecting her own children. Her youngest daughter once expressed her feelings in her diary, writing, "I hate mom," feeling that her mother cared only for the younger children and her cousins. However, five years passed, and Yaping's two biological daughters gradually understood the situation, sharing household chores with their five cousins. The nieces and nephews also quickly matured, actively helping their aunt with handicrafts and household tasks. The family's living room wall is now covered with certificates of merit for all seven children. Yaping's niece reflected, "What your children have, we also have." Her mother-in-law also affirmed that her daughter-in-law is the family's benefactor, and all the grandchildren are grateful.

To further alleviate the family's financial strain, the local government later classified the five children as "unsupported children." This provided them with living allowances and waived school meal fees. Additionally, a business stepped in to sponsor their full tuition fees through university. In 2025, the Shangqiu city government recognized Yaping's extraordinary selflessness by awarding her the title of "Shangqiu Good Samaritan."

Bao Nhien (According to Kanchina/Sohu)