With the MacDuff province back in Scotland's control, the Fire Nation was easily able to send more reinforcements.
A few years after the Hundred Year War, Zuko relocated his father, Ozai, to a prison in the Colonies. With England now surrounding it, Longshanks was easily able to go in and out of it to conspire with Ozai for advice.
Zuko, unaware of the conspiracy, visited Ozai in his new prison. It was less dark and creepy compared to the one in the Fire Nation. It was a room all the way on the top floor of the building. It was small and rustic, but it gave Ozai more freedom of movement.
"Father?"
"Well if it isn't my son? I can't remember how long it's been, but I see you haven't failed as Firelord yet. Quite a surprise to me."
"I didn't come here for an uplifting reunion if that's what you're referring to."
"Yes. Well, what then?"
"I'm not sure if you heard, but England has been at war with Scotland for a few months. I don't suppose Longshanks had mentioned it to you when it started. I just thought I'd let you know in case the war spreads here and you have questions. Of course, based what I've told you, I can already tell whose side you're on."
"Actually I already knew about the war."
"Did you?"
"Yes. And you will embrace this rebellion."
"...Excuse me?"
"The Irish settled in the land where I was going to expand the empire. But the Avatar ended the war before I could make it that far."
"What's your point?"
"I have heard that the Irish have made an alliance with the English. If you support the Scottish in this war, you could defeat the Irish and use their lands to expand the Fire Nation."
"This doesn't make sense. The Irish are usually a neutral party in foreign politics. Why would they be fighting along with the English?"
"Do you support the Scottish?"
"Yes"
"Then what does it matter?"
"Why would Stephen betray his own father?"
"He is a young ruler. He can easily be misled by his own advisors."
What Ozai said was partially true. Longshanks was still attempting to bribe the Irish into an alliance. But he twisted the ending so that it sounded as if the Irish had already made up their minds. By acting supportive of Scotland, Ozai got Zuko to feel a little more sympathetic to his view on the war.
"If you wish to fully unite with Scotland, call together a council."
"William will never show up. It'll just be Scottish nobles playing politics with each other."
"Rightly so. Uncompromising men are easier to admire. But it's also the ability to compromise that makes a man noble. And understand this: Edward Longshanks is the first and will possibly forever remain the most ruthless king to sit on the throne of England. But nothing will remain of Scotland unless you are as ruthless and you take the risks you don't want to."
"So, how do I know this isn't common propaganda that's been passed from one area to another?"
"Last I heard, Longshanks was in Ireland to secure the alliance. If he comes back more confident, you will know which side that the Irish will have chosen."
"...You've surprised me today, father. I never pictured you as a man who would support William MacKay in his quest for freedom."
"I've surprised many people over my lifetime. But it's not all about shear power and force. It's also about strategy. And this war calls for strategy."
"...There will be a council...soon."
"Good to know"
Zuko left, not realizing Ozai had set him up for making enemies on both sides, as he knew about the situation with the Colonists.