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 late casino tycoon Stanley Ho.
From Ordinary Nurse to “Palace-Game Master” of the Ho Family
According to QQ, when Ina Chan first entered the powerful Ho family, she was merely a young nurse with modest looks and no social standing. Yet, with keen intelligence and impeccable timing, she managed to win the affection of Stanley Ho and became his official third wife after five strategic years.
Some insiders even claim that Ina Chan was initially a “spy” planted by Second Wife Lucina Laam to monitor First Wife Clementina Ho — but she later switched sides, gaining the trust of the first wife and eventually capturing the casino mogul’s heart.
Her ascent, from an ordinary woman to one of Hong Kong’s most powerful matriarchs, is nothing short of a real-life drama.
The Quiet Power Behind a Billion-Dollar Empire
Though she avoids the limelight, Ina Chan holds significant positions within the Macau Tourism and Entertainment Corporation, and serves as Vice Chairwoman and General Manager of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals.
In 2014, she was even listed among Forbes Hong Kong’s Top 50 Richest Women.
Unlike the outspoken and glamorous Second Wife Lucina Laam or Fourth Wife Angela Leong, Ina Chan has built her influence quietly — becoming the key financial strategist and gatekeeper of the Ho family’s vast fortune.
“Steel Hand in Velvet Glove”: Strict with Daughters-in-Law, Protective of Her Own
Ina Chan’s name has long been synonymous with strict control over her children’s marriages.
Her son, Orlando Ho, once married Gigi Tsai, a woman from an ordinary background. The couple secretly registered their marriage overseas without informing his mother.
Despite having two daughters together, Gigi 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 own name.
Even after the divorce, Gigi reportedly needed to submit a written expense list to Ina Chan before receiving child support — proof of just how meticulously the matriarch manages the family’s finances.
And Now, Dou Xiao Faces the “Iron Mother-in-Law”
When He Chaolian — the youngest daughter of Ina Chan — fell in love with actor Dou Xiao, her mother reportedly insisted that he sign a prenuptial agreement before any legal marriage registration.
Rumors also surfaced claiming that Dou Xiao tried to move 60 million HKD (around USD 7.7 million) worth of assets into his cousin’s name, but was caught and stopped by his sharp-eyed mother-in-law.
Although none of these allegations have been confirmed, netizens can’t help but comment: “With a mother-in-law this smart, Dou Xiao would be foolish not to tread carefully!”
Amid endless gossip over who’s to blame for the couple’s rumored split, public opinion seems united on one point — Ina Chan is the final line of defense protecting her daughter’s assets and reputation.
While some criticize her for being overly calculating, others admire her as a strategic genius who turned herself from a nurse into one of Hong Kong’s most formidable women.
Sources: kenh14