Now notice the pole standing right in the middle of the courtyard. This red pole is called Suolun pole, or Holy Pole. Its round tin container near the top was filled with food for feeding crows. It was said that Nuerhachi was saved by crows. Crows are considered sacred in Manchurian culture though in Chinese culture crows are regarded as birds bringing bad luck. Emperor Huangtaiji had four concubines. Among the four concubines Chen was loved best by Huangtaiji and Concubine Zhuang was the wisest and the mother of the next emperor, Fulin. Therefore, she had a special status among the concubines. The only chimney was built on the rear of Purity and Tranquility hall from the ground with 11 layers, representing the 11 emperors from Emperor Huangtaiji to the last emperor Puyi. This chimney was the highest one at that time. In Chinese, the sound of chimney "tong" is the same as that of unity. To the north further is rear courtyard called Yuhua Garden. After visiting the middle section of the palace, we come to the eastern section. Its representative building is the Great Administration Hall, flanked by Ten Princes Pavilions. This part was built in 1625, and they were the earliest building in Shenyang Imperial Palace. Great Administration Hall is the place ceremonies and handled state affairs. Great Administration Hall was built with eight sides representing the style of military tent and also Eight Banner military system.
Now please look at the ten pavilions, five on each side, which were the offices of the commanders at that time. Here I will give you an introduction to the military system of early Manchurian Period. Nuerhachi divided his troops in four parts and each part was identified by the color of its banner .There sere then four kinds of banner: red, blue, white and yellow banner. As the troops expanded quickly, another four parts were added and therefore another four kinds of banner were needed .By then there were altogether eight kinds of banner. This army was therefore well known for Eight Banner Army.