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After the external ulcer has ruptured and the pus and toxins have been discharged, with the pathogenic force already subsided, the principle of medication is merely to clear the residual toxins and resolve the residual swelling. Of particular importance is supporting the Stomach Qi (Stomach Energy), clearing and nourishing the Stomach Yin, so that appetite becomes robust and the Righteous Qi (Vital Energy) naturally replenishes itself. Even with a large ulcer, the generation of new tissue will be very rapid. This is because before the pus and toxins rupture, the patient has endured great suffering, exhausting their Qi, leading to a dull and poor appetite. Once it ruptures and drains, pain ceases and the body feels light, as if a heavy burden has been lifted. If there is indeed residual toxin remaining, clearing it should still take precedence. However, if the fierce fire of the toxin has subsided, nourishing the Stomach must be the primary focus. Regardless of how severe the condition, once the Stomach Qi is harmonized, a turning point appears immediately. Even if the ulceration is extremely severe, success can be expected in a few days. One must not be confused by vulgar books and administer harsh tonics too early. It must be understood that when the major trend has just stabilized, although the flames have extinguished, the embers are not yet gone; adding tonification at this stage is like adding charcoal to the furnace, inevitably causing the dead ashes to reignite. Although it may be said that much pus has been discharged and the Righteous Qi needs care, since the spirit is already weakened, thick and cloying medicines will certainly be unbearable, often hindering the Stomach and reducing food intake, leading to more complex variations. Those who treat the convalescence of severe Shanghan (Cold Damage) diseases and understand how to clear and nourish the Stomach are undoubtedly masters of Shanghan; similarly, those who adhere to the principle of light and clear Stomach-nourishing methods during the post-ulceration regulation of surgical diseases are veteran surgeons. Only after the pus is gone, pain settles, residual swelling gradually disappears, and the Stomach Qi becomes vigorous, is fresh lean pork permissible. Since the pig is an aquatic animal, its flavor is naturally salty and cold, possessing functions to transform heat and detoxify. Simmering to obtain clear soup can nourish Stomach Yin and assist in generating fluids. These "sentient flesh and blood" substances follow the principle of "repairing broken bamboo with bamboo," making them excellent items suited for surgical cases, unlike in the initial recovery from Shanghan where one avoids them due to their cloying nature preventing immediate consumption.

The use of pills and powders in treating surgical diseases has a long history. *Qianjin Waifang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies) and *Waitai Miyao* (Secret Essentials of the Outer Court) had already set examples, which were never abandoned and continue to this day, largely because they offer simple administration methods, serving as a substitute for the complexity of decoctions in treating common conditions. However, given their general nature, treating a hundred diseases broadly cannot be perfectly precise. Their main purport lies in promoting Qi circulation and unblocking collaterals, invigorating blood and resolving toxins, which does not contradict medical principles. In recent popular practice, Wang Linwu’s *Waike Quansheng Ji* (Complete Life Preservation in Surgery) formulas, such as Xingxiao Wan (Awakening Elimination Pill) and Xiaojin Dan (Little Gold Pellet), are most famous, while Liushen Wan (Six Divine Pills) sold in Shanghai and Suzhou markets is particularly renowned, known to women and children alike, and universally regarded as an essential medicine for external ulcers. In reality, the formula used by Wang Linwu is already rigid and ineffective, with little actual efficacy; as for the so-called Liushen Wan, it gathers expensive ingredients processed together, and while its value is precious, testing its properties and effects reveals whether it truly has a fitting impact. Even if it claims pearl and rhino horn (or musk substitute) to resolve toxins, and borneol and musk to promote circulation, the intent is similar, but ultimately, what amount of medicinal power does one unit of gold purchase? Taken in small doses, the power is minimal; taken in large doses, it can bankrupt a middle-class family. Expensive yet unbeneficial, it is most laughable.

Shouyi (Zhang Shanlei's pseudonym), in treating surgical diseases, inherited the family learning of his late master Mr. Zhu. Since he prioritizes decoctions, he originally had no need for secret pill and powder recipes to deceive people or dazzle the world. However, for mild and superficial diseases, providing pills can also be effective, being simple and easy to execute, thus not losing the ambition to benefit things and save people; and for severe conditions used as adjuvants, they can supplement the shortcomings of decoctions, making their mutual use indispensable. Here I record commonly used preparations, sharing them with enthusiasts, which indeed possess real efficacy, unlike the generic and unfocused products on the market. Since disease conditions change with time, dosage methods must also shift accordingly, weighing severity. To claim that prepared pills and powders, adhering rigidly to fixed rules, can ensure success in every application is logically impossible.