That's right, the story Kahn was telling was naturally the household name "journey to the west." Although he hadn't fully memorized all the original plot points, by piecing together bits from the original novel, TV series, and various fan fictions, he had managed to create a 'magically altered' version of journey to the west.
Anyway, it was more than enough to tell Zuko and the others.
Not only was Zuko listening with great interest, but Azula had also, at some point, perked up her ears nearby, seemingly engrossed in the story.
Every time Zuko heard an exciting part, he would exclaim in surprise, while Azula, though she liked it in her heart, feigned disdain on the surface and mocked him with her words.
Sometimes the two would argue, but it would quickly end, because Kahn wouldn't stop and wait for them to finish; he would just continue telling the story on his own.
Thus, with Kahn's storytelling voice as the main sound, embellished by Zuko's exclamations, Azula's taunts, and their occasional squabbles, the scene had a strange, lively harmony.
It felt like something odd had snuck in?
Time passed imperceptibly.
When Ursa saw them again, she witnessed this peculiar scene before her eyes—
Zuko, Azula, and Kahn were all quite disheveled but harmoniously huddled together. Azula and Zuko, who usually couldn't stand each other, were getting along peacefully, and Kahn was even sitting between them, right next to Azula, without any incident occurring!
Sure enough, this little boy...
Looking at Kahn and Azula, Ursa smiled meaningfully.
While Ursa was observing the three, Kahn also saw Ursa, so he stopped telling the story, stood up, and greeted her:
"Hello, Madam."
Zuko also came back to his senses, saw Ursa, and exclaimed in surprise, "Mother!"
Because the story was interrupted, Azula was a bit annoyed. She didn't stand up, remaining seated on the ground and giving Ursa a perfunctory greeting.
Ursa didn't mind. Instead, she asked:
"What happened to you all? You're quite a mess."
Zuko replied, "We just had a Firebending practice session."
"You fought?!"
Ursa instinctively raised her voice.
She certainly knew what Firebending practice was, but she also knew the disparity in Firebending skill between Zuko and Azula. Their practice session was more like Azula using the excuse of practice to beat up Zuko.
Azula knew what Ursa was thinking, so she sneered:
"It was just me unilaterally beating them up. Great-Grandfather couldn't even fight back, so how can that be considered a fight? It should be said that I was bullying him."
"How did I not fight back?!"
Zuko yelled in rebuttal, selectively skipping over the part where he was beaten, and then explained:
"No, it really was Firebending practice! We each had a match, and now we're resting."
Kahn also nodded:
"That's right. Zuko and Azula are both very interesting people, and we get along quite well."
At these words, Zuko and Azula both looked at him strangely.
Getting along quite well?
That's too much of a stretch, isn't it?!
After Ursa looked them over, her tone softened, and she smiled, "So that's how it is."
She walked over to Azula and pulled her up from the ground: "Girls shouldn't lie on the ground so ungracefully."
Ursa's strength wasn't great, but Azula still stood up with the pull.
Then, to Azula's surprise, Ursa patted the dust off her clothes and said:
"I was wrong about you this time. I apologize. I know you've always been a good child, Azula, just a bit lively. You behaved very well today, and I'm very happy."
Seemingly accustomed to criticism from Ursa, Azula was somewhat at a loss in the face of this sudden apology and praise. She finally turned her face away and snorted, saying nothing.
But the faint curve of her lips betrayed her; this smile wasn't the sinister one from before, but the most innocent and pure smile.
Ultimately, Azula was still just a child.
After comforting Azula, Ursa said:
"It's good that you had fun. But it's getting late. Uncle Iroh might be finishing up soon. Zuko, you can take Kahn to the main gate to wait for him."
"Is it that late already?"
Kahn asked in surprise.
He looked up at the sky; it was cloudy today, so he couldn't tell anything.
They had only just had a Firebending practice session, then rested for a while, and told stories for a bit—well, the storytelling might have taken a bit longer—how could it be time to leave already?
I haven't learned Firebending yet!
Kahn was reluctant to part with the Firebending he hadn't learned yet. Zuko was also reluctant, but he still said:
"Then let's leave it at that for now. We'll play together again next time."
"Alright."
Kahn said regretfully.
There was nothing he could do; he couldn't just stay at their house, could he?
My Firebending! I hate this!
After Kahn bid farewell to Ursa, Zuko led him to the main gate they had entered through. Not long after, Iroh arrived.
Seeing Kahn's disheveled appearance, so different from when he arrived, Iroh didn't ask him the reason. He only asked:
"How was your day today?"
"Hmm,"
Kahn thought for a moment:
"Although there were some twists (referring to Azula) and regrets (referring to not having time to learn Firebending), overall it was pretty good."
"Hahaha, really!"
Iroh laughed:
"Regrets create anticipation. Since there are regrets this time, let's make up for them next time you come."
"Of course."
Kahn nodded in agreement. The promised Firebending lesson; he couldn't let it slip away like that.
—
After Zuko saw Kahn off, he hurried back. Uncle Iroh was out, which meant his father would also be returning soon.
"Back so soon?"
A voice from above called out to Zuko; it was Azula, who had climbed onto the wall again.
She rested her chin on her hand, looking down at Zuko, and asked teasingly:
"Uncle Iroh slipped away so quickly? Didn't he run into Father?"
Zuko had a sour expression: "None of your business!"
"Heh heh!"
Azula chuckled indifferently twice, then casually brought up another topic:
"Speaking of which, didn't Father dislike your friend quite a bit? He doesn't know you secretly brought him to our house, does he?"
"What do you think will happen if he finds out?"
What would happen?
Zuko certainly knew. Just thinking about the expression on his father's face and the words from his mouth at that time made his breathing feel a bit constricted.
And just then—
"What are you doing here?"
A majestic voice came from behind, instantly making Zuko's heart feel like it had plunged into an ice cave.
It was his father's voice.
"Father!"
Azula leaped down from the wall, walked past Zuko, gave him a meaningful look, and then approached the middle-aged man, giggling: "I have something to tell you. Zuko, while you were away—"
"Challenged me, and I beat him until he was rolling on the ground, completely unable to fight back! How about that, aren't I amazing!"
"Hahaha, truly my daughter, the most talented Firebender in the Fire Nation."
Their father, the Second Prince of the Fire Nation, Ozai, praised Azula, then turned to look at the disheveled Zuko, and said expressionlessly:
"Can't you even see your own level? You still dare to challenge Azula. Talentless, overestimating yourself, simply an idiot!"
After scolding him, he didn't care about Zuko's reaction and walked past him, continuing into the house.
Zuko stood in place, his heart pounding rapidly, but not because Ozai scolded him, but because of Azula.
Azula followed Ozai. As she walked past Zuko, she whispered with a laugh in his ear:
"Hey, now do you know what reporting means?"
Zuko also remembered what Kahn had said earlier.
Now he knew.