China Cop’s 12-Year Secret: Healing a Mother’s Grief

A police officer in Shanghai has spent 12 years pretending to be a woman’s deceased son, helping her recover from paralysis and deep emotional trauma following his death.

Family Sought Officer’s Help Due to Resemblance

In 2013, Jiang Jingwei, a serving police officer, received an unusual request from a superior. He was asked if he would be willing to act as another family’s son due to his striking resemblance to the deceased. After some hesitation, Mr. Jiang agreed, with the support of his parents.

The request originated from a family in Lyuliang, Shanxi, who had lost their eldest son to carbon monoxide poisoning in 2003. According to China National Radio, the tragedy occurred while the husband, Xia Zhanhai, was away on a business trip, leaving his wife, Liang Qiaoying, at home with their two sons.

The elder boy, Liang Yu, died in the incident. While the younger son recovered, Ms. Liang was left in a vegetative state, suffering from lower-body paralysis and severe cognitive impairment.

Husband Fabricated Story to Ease Wife’s Pain

After regaining consciousness, Ms. Liang repeatedly called out for her eldest son. To spare her pain, her husband told her that their son was working in another city. As the years passed, the emotional burden of maintaining this deception grew.

In 2010, Mr. Xia noticed a police officer on television coverage of the Shanghai World Expo who bore a striking resemblance to his deceased son. After years of searching, the officer was identified as Mr. Jiang.

Mr. Jiang first appeared as the “son” on a television program. As he approached Ms. Liang, who was in a wheelchair, she recognized him instantly, uttering a single word: “Reunion.”

Officer Maintained Contact for Over a Decade

Following the program, Mr. Jiang maintained regular contact with the family. He learned their local dialect, made frequent visits, and even brought them to Shanghai on holiday in 2016. Two years later, he travelled to Lyuliang for a reunion dinner.

Over the years, he continued to call and visit, providing winter clothes and offering advice on family decisions. During a recent family visit to Shanghai, his colleagues discreetly concealed his rank and awards to maintain the illusion.

‘Family is an Emotional Bond’

Inspired by this experience, Mr. Jiang launched a community initiative to support elderly residents living alone. He emphasized the simple needs of these individuals, such as a phone call, video chat, or small gift.

Reflecting on the possibility of the truth emerging, he stated that the emotional connection was more important than the role itself. “Given how close our families have become, whether I am ‘Liang Yu’ or not isn’t that important anymore. Family is, first and foremost, an emotional connection. To this family, I have a responsibility and a duty.”