During the May Day holiday, a heartwarming relay of compassion at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Xianfeng County, Hubei Province, brought solace to a Shaanxi couple far from home. On May 2nd, 44-year-old Ji Yaozhong from Yang County, Shaanxi, was driving from Yan'an to Xianfeng County, Hubei, to sell over 8,000 jin of apples when he suddenly fell ill. Enduring severe discomfort, he managed to drive himself to the Xianfeng County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital for emergency care. Medical examinations confirmed he had suffered an acute cerebral infarction. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of healthcare staff, Ji's life was saved, but he lost mobility and requires long-term rehabilitation therapy.
On May 3rd, his wife, Liang Lili, rushed to Xianfeng to care for her husband bedside, leaving the 8,000 jin of Shaanxi apples stranded at the hospital. With rising temperatures threatening to spoil the fruit, the family faced compounding difficulties. Jiao Yonggao, a staff member from the hospital's general affairs department, proposed an idea: "The apples are in the truck, and the heat will spoil them quickly. Our staff numbers in the hundreds; if everyone buys a few jin, we can significantly reduce their loss." The proposal received strong support from hospital leadership.
The hospital acted swiftly. At 2:30 PM on May 4th, the publicity department issued an internal call for voluntary purchases, explaining the situation and asking staff to help the family mitigate their financial hardship. The initiative quickly spread throughout the hospital and on social media, sparking a city-wide wave of generosity. Hospital logistics staff moved the truck to the entrance, setting up a temporary sales point and assisting with moving and selling the apples. Employees responded enthusiastically, purchasing boxes and bags of apples at the set price of 5 yuan per jin, paying honestly and offering practical help.
The act of kindness expanded beyond the hospital walls. Upon hearing the news, local volunteer associations, delivery drivers, and other community members joined the effort, not only buying apples but also spreading the word online. Even apples with minor blemishes were quickly purchased. By around 9:00 AM on May 5th, all 8,000 jin of apples were sold. Overwhelmed with emotion, Liang Lili expressed her gratitude: "You not only saved my husband's life but also solved a huge problem for us."
The goodwill deeply moved the people of Yang County. In a gesture of thanks, Yang County announced that, starting May 7, 2026, all its ticketed tourist attractions would offer free admission for one year to residents of Enshi Prefecture. On May 7th, Xianfeng's cultural and tourism department warmly reciprocated, inviting the people of Yang County to visit and enjoy local attractions and culture. This cross-regional compassion has historical roots. Yang County, famous as the home of the crested ibis and of Zhang Fuqing, a recipient of the "Medal of the Republic," shares a connection with Enshi. After leaving the military in 1955, Zhang chose to work for over 30 years in Laifeng County, which neighbors Xianfeng. This recent event continues the legacy of mutual support between the people of Shaanxi and Hubei, a testament to their enduring bond.
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