Everyone's eyes were fixed on the hot air balloon, as if they wanted to take in every subtle change in it.
Under the careful control of the craftsmen, the hot air balloon rose steadily into the sky.
Soon everyone discovered that there was a long rope underneath the hot air balloon.
The end of the rope was firmly tied to a sturdy iron stake specially built by the supervisor.
This is to ensure that the hot air balloon will not drift away due to uncontrollable factors such as wind during the test flight.
It also makes it convenient for craftsmen to quickly pull the hot air balloon back to the ground when necessary.
The hot air balloon flew higher and higher, and gradually turned into a small dot.
But in the eyes of everyone, it is still so clear and so eye-catching.
At this time, whether it was Li Shimin, Empress Zhangsun, Li Lizhi, or the officials.
They all held their breath, afraid that their breathing would disturb this sacred and solemn moment.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment, with only the hot air balloon slowly rising in the air.
Suddenly, a breeze blew, and the hot air balloon swayed slightly, but it still remained firmly rooted in the vast sky.
Finally, the hot air balloon reached an impressive height.
The craftsmen felt that the ropes below were already taut, and began to gradually reduce the power of the burner, preparing to land the hot air balloon smoothly.
At this moment, everyone's heart was in their throat.
After all, a hot air balloon that can only rise but not fall is like a rootless duckweed, so its practical effect is greatly reduced.
If the hot air balloon could land safely, it would undoubtedly become the greatest invention since the founding of the Tang Dynasty.
As the fire gradually decreased, the hot air balloon began to descend slowly and steadily.
The entire descent was very smooth.
Soon, the hot air balloon landed steadily on the ground.
The craftsmen quickly stepped forward and carefully checked every part of the hot air balloon to make sure there was no damage.
The onlookers burst into thunderous applause and cheers, their faces filled with pride and joy.
Li Shimin walked forward excitedly and lifted the "little princess" high above his head, "Good! Good! Good! It's really great!"
He exclaimed in praise loudly, his voice filled with unconcealable excitement, "Little divine beast, you are truly amazing! From today on, the men of the Tang Dynasty can soar above the nine heavens."
As Li Shimin spoke, he couldn't wait to walk into the basket under the hot air balloon and experience the feeling of flying for himself.
"Your Majesty, you can't do that!" However, before he could step in, he heard the exclamations of the ministers behind him.
"Your Majesty, although the hot air balloon test flight was successful, it was the first time after all, and there are still many unknown risks involved."
An old minister of the royal family said in a trembling voice, his eyes full of worry, "You are worth a fortune, how can you easily take risks?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, there are still many uncertainties in hot air balloon flights. If something goes wrong, we will be held responsible!" Changsun Wuji also advised anxiously.
"Your Majesty, please think twice!" Wei Zheng also said anxiously, "Although the hot air balloon test flight was successful.
However, we still need a deeper understanding and research on its performance and safety.
As the Son of Heaven, you are responsible for the safety of the country and should not take risks lightly."
General Cheng Yaojin also joined the ranks of those who tried to dissuade him, saying in a gruff voice, "Your Majesty, I, Old Cheng, will bear the risks on the battlefield.
But for something this new, let's let the craftsmen try it out a few more times to make sure it's foolproof."
Fang Xuanling stepped forward, stroked his beard, and said calmly, "Your Majesty, new inventions always take time to perfect.
Although hot air balloons performed well today, caution is still needed.
Your safety is crucial to the stability of the entire Tang Dynasty and cannot be taken lightly."
Amidst the continuous exhortations from the crowd, Li Shimin's inner excitement gradually subsided.
He stared deeply at the hot air balloon that landed steadily on the ground, and a hint of loss and melancholy unconsciously appeared in his eyes.
However, he was ultimately a wise ruler of the Tang Dynasty, and he knew what was important and what was not.
He took a deep breath, nodded solemnly, and said in a deep voice: "Okay, I will do as you say!"
There was an unquestionable majesty in his words.
Then he continued, "I will wait patiently until the hot air balloon is truly safe.
When that day comes, I will join you all hand in hand, soaring above the nine heavens together and enjoying the incomparable magnificent scenery!"
His voice was sonorous and powerful, as if he had foreseen the arrival of that day, and was full of infinite anticipation and pride.
Upon hearing this, everyone responded in unison, their voices resounding through the sky, demonstrating their admiration and trust in this wise monarch.
But just as they finished speaking, the "little princess"'s childish but firm voice came from the side, "Mother, let's go to heaven!"
Li Haoze's words stunned everyone, and even Li Shimin, who had just praised him, couldn't help but glance at him.
"Little beast, this hot air balloon is only on its first test flight, so safety cannot be guaranteed. As the mother of a nation, how could I risk my life so easily?"
But Li Haoze waved his hand and said, "It's okay. I made a parachute for my mother, which is enough to protect the two of us."
"Parachute? What is this?" As soon as these words were spoken, they once again attracted the attention of the ministers present.
Li Haoze smiled proudly and waved his little hand, and Wu Shuner came running over with two backpacks in her hands.
"Mother, carry it on your back! It will save your life!" Hearing the little divine beast say this, Empress Changsun obediently let Wu Zhaoer carry the bag on her back.
"Is this the parachute you mentioned?" Li Shimin looked at the small backpack carried on Empress Changsun's back with curiosity.
But his eyes glanced at the other one, "Is this one a gift for me?"
"No!" Li Haoze shook his head without hesitation, "This is for my sister!"
"In the Tang Dynasty, making a parachute is a real hassle."
Li Haoze explained seriously, "So, I only made two, one for my mother and one for my sister."
When Li Shimin heard this, a look of disappointment appeared on his face, but he quickly concealed it.
"Haha, good! Good! Such a life-saving good thing really needs to be prepared for Li Zhi first. I'm not in a hurry."
"Oh! Is this for my sister? You are so nice, little Rangjun, I want you to kiss me~" Maybe she was really touched by the little beast.
This time, Li Lizhi picked up the "little princess" on the ground and kissed her delicate face without caring about the presence of all the ministers.
Only then, with Wu Shuner's help, did he put the other parachute bag on his shoulder.
At this moment, Li Shimin could not help but continue to ask, "Little beast, what exactly is this parachute?"
"How did you protect Guanyinbi and Lizhi? And... why didn't you carry them on your back?"
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