The ongoing drama surrounding Dou Xiao and He Chaolian continues to grip both Hong Kong and mainland Chinese netizens. Amid endless rumors of marital tension and financial disputes, one woman has quietly stolen the spotlight: He Chaolian’s mother, Ina Chan, the legendary third wife of the late casino magnate Stanley Ho.
From an ordinary nurse to the Ho family’s “palace game master”.
According to QQ, when Ina Chan first entered the powerful Ho family, she was simply a young nurse with modest appearance and no social standing. Yet, with keen intelligence and impeccable timing, she managed to win Stanley Ho’s affection and became his third official wife after five strategic years.
Some insiders even claim that Ina Chan was initially a “spy” placed by second wife Lucina Laam to monitor first wife Clementina Ho, but later changed sides, earning the first wife’s trust and ultimately capturing the heart of the casino mogul.
Her rise from ordinary woman to one of Hong Kong’s most powerful matriarchs is nothing short of a real-life drama.
The silent power behind a billion-dollar empire
Although she shies away from the limelight, Ina Chan holds significant positions within the Macau Tourism and Entertainment Corporation and serves as vice president and general manager of the Tung Wah Hospital Group.
In 2014 she was even included in the list of the 50 richest women by Forbes Hong Kong.
Unlike outspoken and charming second wife Lucina Laam or fourth wife Angela Leong, Ina Chan built her influence quietly, becoming the chief financial strategist and custodian of the Ho family’s vast fortune.
“Steel hand in the velvet glove”: strict with her daughters-in-law, protective of herself
Ina Chan’s name has long been synonymous with tight control over her children’s marriages.
His son, Orlando Ho, once married Gigi Tsai, a woman of ordinary origins. The couple secretly registered their marriage abroad without informing their mother.
Despite having two daughters together, Gigi has never received an official wedding ceremony — and when the marriage collapsed in 2020, she reportedly left empty-handed, after Ina Chan had already transferred most of her son’s assets under her name.
Even after the divorce, Gigi reportedly had to submit a written expense list to Ina Chan before receiving child support, evidence of how meticulously the matriarch manages the family’s finances.
And now, Dou Xiao faces the “iron mother-in-law”
When He Chaolian, Ina Chan’s youngest daughter, fell in love with actor Dou Xiao, her mother reportedly insisted that she sign a prenuptial agreement before any legal registration of the marriage.
Rumors also surfaced that Dou Xiao attempted to transfer assets worth HKD60 million (about $7.7 million) into his cousin’s name, but was caught and stopped by his sharp-eyed mother-in-law.
While none of these allegations have been confirmed, netizens can’t help but comment: “With such a smart mother-in-law, Dou Xiao would be foolish not to proceed with caution!”
Amid the endless gossip about who is to blame for the couple’s alleged separation, public opinion seems united on one point: Ina Chan is the last line of defense protecting her daughter’s assets and reputation.
While some criticize her for being overly calculative, others admire her as a strategic genius who transformed herself from a nurse into one of Hong Kong’s most formidable women.
Sources: kenh14
