宋寧宗慶元(yuan)四年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1198年(nian)(nian)(nian))十月十六(liu)日,江萬(wan)(wan)里生(sheng)(sheng)于(yu)今江西(xi)省都(dou)昌縣陽(yang)峰鄉(xiang)共升府前村(cun),名(ming)(ming)臨,字子(zi)遠,號古(gu)(gu)心,萬(wan)(wan)里是(shi)其出(chu)仕后(hou)(hou)(hou)的(de)用名(ming)(ming)。與弟(di)江萬(wan)(wan)載、江萬(wan)(wan)頃(qing)因為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)先后(hou)(hou)(hou)科(ke)(ke)(ke)舉(ju)高(gao)(gao)中(zhong),且又都(dou)登仕宋庭高(gao)(gao)官(guan),最后(hou)(hou)(hou)又先后(hou)(hou)(hou)殉國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),被時(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)和(he)后(hou)(hou)(hou)世(shi)雅稱(cheng)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)江氏(shi)“三古(gu)(gu)”或江氏(shi)“三昆玉”。南宋著(zhu)(zhu)名(ming)(ming)愛(ai)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)丞相,民族英雄(xiong),是(shi)南宋末(mo)年(nian)(nian)(nian)仕林和(he)文壇(tan)領袖,中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)十三世(shi)紀著(zhu)(zhu)名(ming)(ming)的(de)政(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)家(jia)(jia)和(he)教育家(jia)(jia)。一(yi)(yi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)獨(du)自(zi)創立三所(suo)高(gao)(gao)等學府,為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)古(gu)(gu)今中(zhong)外之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)第一(yi)(yi)人(ren)(ren)(ren),尤其是(shi)其所(suo)創辦的(de)白鷺洲書(shu)院(yuan),延續千(qian)(qian)(qian)年(nian)(nian)(nian),在中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)科(ke)(ke)(ke)舉(ju)時(shi)(shi)代(dai)共培養(yang)出(chu)文天祥等十七(qi)位狀元(yuan),2700多名(ming)(ming)進士,書(shu)院(yuan)所(suo)在的(de)江西(xi)吉安(an)科(ke)(ke)(ke)舉(ju)中(zhong)選人(ren)(ren)(ren)數幾近此(ci)后(hou)(hou)(hou)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)千(qian)(qian)(qian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)科(ke)(ke)(ke)舉(ju)的(de)一(yi)(yi)半,被稱(cheng)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)千(qian)(qian)(qian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)“文章(zhang)(zhang)節義之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)邦”為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)古(gu)(gu)代(dai)書(shu)院(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)最。江萬(wan)(wan)里為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)官(guan)清廉,敢言直諫,無論朝官(guan)還是(shi)放任地(di)方(fang)府省均政(zheng)(zheng)績(ji)斐然(ran),為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)官(guan)府和(he)百(bai)姓(xing)所(suo)稱(cheng)道;一(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)雖屢(lv)受(shou)權奸(jian)(jian)排擠,屢(lv)遭罷貶,而(er)始終(zhong)不畏權奸(jian)(jian),不泯憂國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)愛(ai)民之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心;在南宋末(mo)民族矛盾激化,國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)(jia)危難之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)際,始則(ze)“手培國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)本,力(li)濟時(shi)(shi)艱”,“但見拳拳于(yu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)事,未(wei)嘗汲汲于(yu)身(shen)謀”,“極(ji)力(li)破(po)權門之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死(si)(si)黨,奮身(shen)生(sheng)(sheng)善(shan)類之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)齊盟,精白一(yi)(yi)心,創切百(bai)奏,風(feng)彩聳聞于(yu)列辟,霜(shuang)棱(leng)愈棱(leng)于(yu)內臺,其序(xu)升橫榻(ta)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)班,以(yi)(yi)(yi)增重本朝之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)勢”,“以(yi)(yi)(yi)淳心正(zheng)學,輔國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)視政(zheng)(zheng),起賢遠識,為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)時(shi)(shi)奇艾,若朝廷(ting)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)典章(zhang)(zhang),軍國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)機務,生(sheng)(sheng)民之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)休(xiu)戚,政(zheng)(zheng)治(zhi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)得(de)失,皆常履而(er)知(zhi)矣”當其窮盡一(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng),年(nian)(nian)(nian)老體弱(ruo),無力(li)補天之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)時(shi)(shi),則(ze)“從(cong)容坐守,以(yi)(yi)(yi)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)民望”“死(si)(si)不離城”繼而(er)“去生(sheng)(sheng)就死(si)(si),義節忠(zhong)(zhong)肝”恨“生(sheng)(sheng)面被執,為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)恥(chi)”,“憤(fen)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)(jia)云之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)亡(wang),恥(chi)腥(xing)膻(shan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)移,雖神林故鄉(xiang)可以(yi)(yi)(yi)終(zhong)其天年(nian)(nian)(nian),旦不肯(ken)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei),而(er)況(kuang)于(yu)屈(qu)身(shen)事虜(lu)者哉!”最終(zhong)“左右(you)攜孫(sun),自(zi)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)紛紛,父(fu)忠(zhong)(zhong)子(zi)孝,兄貞弟(di)烈,天義婦順,笑(xiao)赴止(zhi)水”“從(cong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)者同知(zhi)君,積(ji)尸如疊,不審(shen)其偕老之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)媛,而(er)婢(bi)仆亦爭以(yi)(yi)(yi)盡”。在國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)破(po)家(jia)(jia)亡(wang)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)際,江萬(wan)(wan)里與其子(zi)江鎬,毅然(ran)率180多家(jia)(jia)人(ren)(ren)(ren)投(tou)止(zhi)水池殉國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),希望以(yi)(yi)(yi)自(zi)己及(ji)家(jia)(jia)人(ren)(ren)(ren)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死(si)(si)喚(huan)醒“天下忠(zhong)(zhong)義節烈之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士聞風(feng)而(er)起,聚集萬(wan)(wan)千(qian)(qian)(qian)眾人(ren)(ren)(ren)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)力(li),保江山社稷(ji)不移腥(xing)膻(shan),道德文章(zhang)(zhang)不墮宇內”,其一(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)堪稱(cheng)古(gu)(gu)今之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)完人(ren)(ren)(ren),千(qian)(qian)(qian)古(gu)(gu)道德風(feng)范之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)楷模。
宋嘉(jia)(jia)定(ding)十五年(nian)(1222年(nian)),江(jiang)萬里(li)(li)貢(gong)入大(da)(da)學,太子(zi)(zi)趙昀(宋理宗)極為(wei)賞識(shi),曾書(shu)(shu)“江(jiang)萬里(li)(li)”三字于幾硯之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)間(jian)。寶慶二(er)年(nian)(1226年(nian))以(yi)舍選登進士第,所作(zuo)策論,《郭子(zi)(zi)儀(yi)單(dan)騎見虎》文中表露對郭子(zi)(zi)儀(yi)的(de)膽識(shi)和(he)愛國情操仰慕之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)情,主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)考(kao)官(guan)(guan)閱卷為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)動情,欣然批道(dao):“立(li)意新而(er)措詞(ci)妙,高古文也。”寶慶六(liu)(liu)年(nian),以(yi)舍選出身,任池州(zhou)教授。后(hou)召館試,歷(li)任著作(zuo)佐郎(lang),權尚左(zuo)郎(lang)官(guan)(guan)兼(jian)樞密(mi)院(yuan)(yuan)檢詳文字。嘉(jia)(jia)熙四(si)年(nian)(1240年(nian))出知吉州(zhou)軍,其(qi)(qi)(qi)所作(zuo)《勸農(nong)詩》云:“父老前(qian)來吾(wu)語爾,官(guan)(guan)民相近(jin)古遺(yi)風。欲知太守樂(le)其(qi)(qi)(qi)樂(le),樂(le)在田家(jia)歡笑中。”從政之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)余,特別(bie)熱(re)心(xin)(xin)教育。淳(chun)祜(hu)元年(nian)(1241年(nian))于吉州(zhou)州(zhou)治廬陵(ling)縣城(cheng)東贛江(jiang)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)(xin),創建(jian)白(bai)鷺州(zhou)書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan),廣泛收(shou)藏圖書(shu)(shu),收(shou)授門徒(tu)。奏聞(wen)(wen)朝(chao)廷,理宗御(yu)書(shu)(shu)賜匾額“白(bai)鷺州(zhou)書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan)”。當時書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan)沒有另任山(shan)長(chang),他自主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)其(qi)(qi)(qi)事(shi),自為(wei)諸生(sheng)講授,忘其(qi)(qi)(qi)為(wei)大(da)(da)府。后(hou)人為(wei)他立(li)碑,表彰他的(de)辦學功道(dao):江(jiang)萬里(li)(li)創白(bai)鷺書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan),使“縉紳(即官(guan)(guan)宦代稱)德之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),吏(li)民憐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),悍卒(zu)(勇(yong)猛之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人)化之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)”。第二(er)年(nian),遷(qian)直秘閣,知隆(long)興(xing)府,又在隆(long)興(xing)府建(jian)宗濂精(jing)舍,廣聚生(sheng)徒(tu),講學其(qi)(qi)(qi)中。奏聞(wen)(wen)朝(chao)廷,理宗又親賜書(shu)(shu)御(yu)書(shu)(shu)匾額。這期間(jian),他還囑(zhu)告南(nan)安(an)知軍林壽公(gong)在其(qi)(qi)(qi)軍治大(da)(da)庾(yu)縣源三先生(sheng)祠(祀(si)周敦頤(yi),程頤(yi),程顥)擴(kuo)建(jian)為(wei)周程書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan)。因辦學成績(ji)卓著,于淳(chun)祜(hu)三年(nian)遷(qian)考(kao)功郎(lang)官(guan)(guan),兼(jian)直秘閣,主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)管健康府崇禧觀。不(bu)久,改(gai)任紹(shao)興(xing)府千秋鳴(ming)禧觀,后(hou)又以(yi)駕(jia)部郎(lang)官(guan)(guan)召,遷(qian)尚右兼(jian)侍(shi)講。五年(nian)(1245年(nian))三月(yue)(yue),與理宗談論諸事(shi)得失,曾說:“君子(zi)(zi)只知有事(shi)非(fei),不(bu)知有利害。”他秉(bing)性耿直,剛正不(bu)阿,十一月(yue)(yue)上書(shu)(shu)彈劾(he)林光遷(qian)等依(yi)權附(fu)勢之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)徒(tu)。十二(er)月(yue)(yue)不(bu)顧主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)降(jiang)派(pai)反(fan)對,勸說理宗啟用趙葵主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)持兵(bing)事(shi),陳韋(wei)單(dan)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)持財政,使主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)戰派(pai)一度得以(yi)執掌(zhang)朝(chao)政,為(wei)此(ci)屢遭(zao)主(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)降(jiang)派(pai)攻擊。六(liu)(liu)年(nian),他升遷(qian)監察御(yu)史兼(jian)侍(shi)講,未(wei)幾,又升殿(dian)中侍(shi)御(yu)史。這時的(de)江(jiang)萬里(li)(li),“器望清峻,論議風采(cai),傾動于時。”但忤者嫉妒,謗言興(xing)起,言其(qi)(qi)(qi)母病未(wei)能及(ji)時到家(jia)送終,使其(qi)(qi)(qi)遭(zao)受酷罰,坐廢十二(er)年(nian)。
寶祐三年(1255年),由(you)于陸德興為江萬(wan)里(li)辨白而得(de)以啟用(yong),任福(fu)建轉運(yun)使。開(kai)慶元年(1259年)正月,投入(ru)(ru)(ru)京湖宣撫大使賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)(dao)幕下(xia)任參謀(mou)官。十月賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)(dao)入(ru)(ru)(ru)相(xiang),萬(wan)里(li)同時(shi)入(ru)(ru)(ru)朝兼(jian)(jian)國(guo)子監祭灑,侍讀(du)。景定元年(1260年)入(ru)(ru)(ru)對(dui)。遷刑(xing)部侍郎。不久,升吏部尚書(shu)(shu)。次年(1261年)。進遷端明(ming)殿(dian)學士(shi),同簽書(shu)(shu)樞密院院事兼(jian)(jian)太子賓客(ke)。這(zhe)(zhe)年,萬(wan)里(li)已(yi)年逾六十,是(shi)賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)(dao)府中之任職最久者(zhe)。他開(kai)始雖府仰默客(ke),為賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)(dao)所用(yong),但他秉性(xing)耿(geng)直,臨事不能(neng)無言(yan)。賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)(dao)惡(討厭)其輕發(輕率,說話不夠慎重),經常觸怒(nu)賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)(dao),故第每次都不能(neng)久在其位。這(zhe)(zhe)年。又(you)因言(yan)論而被解職,只以端明(ming)殿(dian)學士(shi)提臨安府洞霄宮。至景定四年,才(cai)以原職出任福(fu)州知州兼(jian)(jian)福(fu)建安撫使。
景定四年(nian)十一月(yue),宋度(du)宗(zong)即位,詔求直言善諫(jian)之士,召江萬里(li)(li)回(hui)行(xing)都臨安(an)(an)。咸淳(chun)元年(nian)(1265年(nian))二月(yue),任(ren)萬里(li)(li)同知(zhi)樞(shu)密(mi)院事,兼(jian)參知(zhi)政事,又(you)(you)與(yu)賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)同朝。賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)擅(shan)政后,位極人臣,極力推行(xing)賣國張,使(shi)(shi)疆土日削,國勢(shi)日危,萬里(li)(li)不能(neng)耐何,便(bian)于同年(nian)七月(yue),奏(zou)請(qing)(qing)歸田,未(wei)允。十二月(yue),賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)辭職(zhi)要挾度(du)宗(zong),宋度(du)宗(zong)涕泣,欲拜(bai)留,萬里(li)(li)當即以身掖帝(di)云:“自古無(wu)此君臣禮,陛下不可拜(bai)。”又(you)(you)一次觸怒(nu)了(le)賈(jia)(jia)(jia)。帝(di)在講筵(yan),每(mei)問經史及古人姓名,賈(jia)(jia)(jia)不能(neng)對,萬里(li)(li)常(chang)從旁(pang)代答,使(shi)(shi)賈(jia)(jia)(jia)積怒(nu)而(er)謀逐出(chu)萬里(li)(li)。江萬里(li)(li)與(yu)賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)每(mei)每(mei)相(xiang)忤,不得已四次上書求退(tui),于咸淳(chun)三年(nian)出(chu)知(zhi)太平州(zhou)兼(jian)江東轉運使(shi)(shi),后又(you)(you)轉湖(hu)南任(ren)安(an)(an)撫大(da)使(shi)(shi),咸淳(chun)五年(nian),又(you)(you)自湖(hu)南召拜(bai)參知(zhi)政事,封南康郡(jun)公(gong),剛到任(ren),又(you)(you)拜(bai)左丞(cheng)相(xiang)兼(jian)樞(shu)密(mi)使(shi)(shi)。六年(nian),蒙古軍(jun)圍攻襄陽,萬里(li)(li)屢請(qing)(qing)派援軍(jun)救護(hu),賈(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)不許,于是萬里(li)(li)又(you)(you)因此被委以觀文殿大(da)學士出(chu)知(zhi)福州(zhou)兼(jian)福建安(an)(an)撫大(da)使(shi)(shi),萬里(li)(li)堅持,依舊(jiu)職(zhi)提(ti)舉(ju)洞霄宮。
咸淳十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1274),元兵(bing)大(da)舉渡江(jiang),江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)聞之(zhi)(zhi),泰然處之(zhi)(zhi),不(bu)走不(bu)逃。憤(fen)而怒曰:“大(da)勢不(bu)可支,余(yu)雖(sui)不(bu)在(zai)(zai)位,當與(yu)宋嘉定十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)五年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1222年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)),江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)貢入大(da)學(xue)(xue),太(tai)子趙(zhao)昀(宋理宗(zong))極為(wei)(wei)賞識,曾書(shu)(shu)(shu)“江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)”三(san)(san)字于幾(ji)硯之(zhi)(zhi)間(jian)。寶慶二(er)(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1226年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))以(yi)(yi)舍選登進士第,所作策論(lun),《郭子儀(yi)單騎(qi)見(jian)虎》文(wen)(wen)中(zhong)表露對(dui)郭子儀(yi)的(de)膽識和愛國情操(cao)仰慕之(zhi)(zhi)情,主(zhu)考官(guan)閱卷為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)動(dong)情,欣然批道:“立意(yi)新(xin)而措詞妙,高古文(wen)(wen)也(ye)。”寶慶六(liu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),以(yi)(yi)舍選出身,任池州教授(shou)。后召館試,歷任著作佐郎(lang),權尚左郎(lang)官(guan)兼(jian)樞密(mi)院(yuan)檢(jian)詳(xiang)文(wen)(wen)字。嘉熙四年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1240年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))出知(zhi)吉(ji)州軍,其(qi)(qi)所作《勸農詩》云(yun):“父老前來吾(wu)語爾,官(guan)民相近古遺風(feng)。欲知(zhi)太(tai)守樂(le)其(qi)(qi)樂(le),樂(le)在(zai)(zai)田家歡笑中(zhong)。”從政(zheng)之(zhi)(zhi)余(yu),特別熱心(xin)教育。淳祜元年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1241年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))于吉(ji)州州治(zhi)廬(lu)陵縣(xian)城(cheng)東(dong)贛江(jiang)之(zhi)(zhi)心(xin),創(chuang)建(jian)白(bai)鷺(lu)(lu)州書(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan),廣泛收藏圖書(shu)(shu)(shu),收授(shou)門徒(tu)。奏(zou)聞朝廷,理宗(zong)御(yu)(yu)書(shu)(shu)(shu)賜(si)匾額“白(bai)鷺(lu)(lu)州書(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan)”。當時(shi)書(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan)沒有(you)另任山(shan)長,他(ta)自(zi)(zi)主(zhu)其(qi)(qi)事,自(zi)(zi)為(wei)(wei)諸(zhu)生(sheng)講(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)授(shou),忘其(qi)(qi)為(wei)(wei)大(da)府。后人為(wei)(wei)他(ta)立碑,表彰(zhang)他(ta)的(de)辦(ban)學(xue)(xue)功道:江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)創(chuang)白(bai)鷺(lu)(lu)書(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan),使(shi)“縉紳(即官(guan)宦代稱)德之(zhi)(zhi),吏民憐之(zhi)(zhi),悍卒(勇(yong)猛之(zhi)(zhi)人)化之(zhi)(zhi)”。第二(er)(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),遷(qian)(qian)(qian)直秘閣,知(zhi)隆興府,又在(zai)(zai)隆興府建(jian)宗(zong)濂(lian)精舍,廣聚生(sheng)徒(tu),講(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)學(xue)(xue)其(qi)(qi)中(zhong)。奏(zou)聞朝廷,理宗(zong)又親賜(si)書(shu)(shu)(shu)御(yu)(yu)書(shu)(shu)(shu)匾額。這(zhe)期間(jian),他(ta)還囑告南安知(zhi)軍林壽公在(zai)(zai)其(qi)(qi)軍治(zhi)大(da)庾縣(xian)源三(san)(san)先(xian)生(sheng)祠(祀周(zhou)敦頤,程(cheng)(cheng)頤,程(cheng)(cheng)顥)擴(kuo)建(jian)為(wei)(wei)周(zhou)程(cheng)(cheng)書(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan)。因辦(ban)學(xue)(xue)成績卓著,于淳祜三(san)(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)遷(qian)(qian)(qian)考功郎(lang)官(guan),兼(jian)直秘閣,主(zhu)管健(jian)康(kang)府崇禧觀(guan)。不(bu)久,改(gai)任紹興府千秋鳴禧觀(guan),后又以(yi)(yi)駕部郎(lang)官(guan)召,遷(qian)(qian)(qian)尚右兼(jian)侍講(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)。五年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1245年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))三(san)(san)月(yue),與(yu)理宗(zong)談論(lun)諸(zhu)事得(de)失,曾說:“君子只知(zhi)有(you)事非,不(bu)知(zhi)有(you)利害(hai)。”他(ta)秉性耿直,剛正不(bu)阿(a),十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)一(yi)月(yue)上書(shu)(shu)(shu)彈劾林光遷(qian)(qian)(qian)等依權附勢之(zhi)(zhi)徒(tu)。十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)二(er)(er)月(yue)不(bu)顧主(zhu)降(jiang)派反對(dui),勸說理宗(zong)啟用(yong)趙(zhao)葵主(zhu)持兵(bing)事,陳韋單主(zhu)持財政(zheng),使(shi)主(zhu)戰派一(yi)度得(de)以(yi)(yi)執(zhi)掌朝政(zheng),為(wei)(wei)此屢(lv)遭(zao)主(zhu)降(jiang)派攻擊。六(liu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),他(ta)升(sheng)遷(qian)(qian)(qian)監察御(yu)(yu)史兼(jian)侍講(jiang)(jiang)(jiang),未幾(ji),又升(sheng)殿中(zhong)侍御(yu)(yu)史。這(zhe)時(shi)的(de)江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li),“器(qi)望清峻,論(lun)議風(feng)采,傾動(dong)于時(shi)。”但忤者嫉妒,謗言(yan)興起,言(yan)其(qi)(qi)母病未能及(ji)時(shi)到家送終(zhong),使(shi)其(qi)(qi)遭(zao)受酷罰(fa),坐廢十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)二(er)(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)。
寶祐三(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1255年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)),由于(yu)陸德(de)興為江萬里(li)辨白而得(de)以(yi)啟用,任(ren)(ren)福建轉運使。開慶元年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1259年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))正月,投(tou)入(ru)京湖宣撫大使賈(jia)似(si)道(dao)幕下任(ren)(ren)參謀官。十月賈(jia)似(si)道(dao)入(ru)相,萬里(li)同時(shi)入(ru)朝兼(jian)國子(zi)監祭灑(sa),侍讀。景定元年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1260年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))入(ru)對。遷刑(xing)部侍郎(lang)。不(bu)久,升吏部尚書。次年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1261年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))。進遷端明殿學(xue)士,同簽(qian)書樞密院院事(shi)兼(jian)太(tai)子(zi)賓客(ke)。這年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),萬里(li)已年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)逾六十,是(shi)賈(jia)似(si)道(dao)府中之任(ren)(ren)職(zhi)最久者。他(ta)開始雖府仰默客(ke),為賈(jia)似(si)道(dao)所用,但他(ta)秉性耿(geng)直(zhi),臨事(shi)不(bu)能無(wu)言。賈(jia)似(si)道(dao)惡(討厭)其(qi)輕發(輕率,說話(hua)不(bu)夠慎重(zhong)),經常(chang)觸怒(nu)賈(jia)似(si)道(dao),故第(di)每次都不(bu)能久在其(qi)位。這年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)。又因(yin)言論而被解(jie)職(zhi),只以(yi)端明殿學(xue)士提臨安(an)府洞霄宮。至景定四(si)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),才以(yi)原職(zhi)出任(ren)(ren)福州知州兼(jian)福建安(an)撫使。
景定四(si)年(nian)十(shi)一月,宋(song)(song)度(du)宗(zong)即位,詔求直言善(shan)諫之士,召江萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)回行(xing)都臨安(an)(an)(an)。咸(xian)淳元年(nian)(1265年(nian))二月,任(ren)(ren)萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)同知樞密(mi)院事,兼(jian)參知政事,又(you)與賈(jia)似道同朝。賈(jia)似道擅政后,位極人臣,極力推行(xing)賣(mai)國張,使(shi)疆(jiang)土日(ri)削,國勢日(ri)危,萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)不能耐(nai)何,便于同年(nian)七(qi)月,奏請歸田,未允。十(shi)二月,賈(jia)似道辭職(zhi)(zhi)要挾度(du)宗(zong),宋(song)(song)度(du)宗(zong)涕泣,欲拜留,萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)當(dang)即以身掖帝(di)云:“自(zi)古無此君臣禮(li),陛下不可拜。”又(you)一次觸(chu)怒了賈(jia)。帝(di)在講筵,每問經史及古人姓名,賈(jia)不能對(dui),萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)常從旁代答,使(shi)賈(jia)積怒而謀逐出(chu)萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)。江萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)與賈(jia)似道每每相(xiang)忤(wu),不得已四(si)次上(shang)書求退(tui),于咸(xian)淳三年(nian)出(chu)知太平州兼(jian)江東轉運(yun)使(shi),后又(you)轉湖(hu)南(nan)(nan)任(ren)(ren)安(an)(an)(an)撫大(da)(da)使(shi),咸(xian)淳五年(nian),又(you)自(zi)湖(hu)南(nan)(nan)召拜參知政事,封南(nan)(nan)康郡公,剛到任(ren)(ren),又(you)拜左丞相(xiang)兼(jian)樞密(mi)使(shi)。六(liu)年(nian),蒙古軍圍攻襄陽(yang),萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)屢請派援軍救(jiu)護,賈(jia)似道不許,于是萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)又(you)因此被委以觀文殿大(da)(da)學士出(chu)知福州兼(jian)福建安(an)(an)(an)撫大(da)(da)使(shi),萬(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)堅持,依舊職(zhi)(zhi)提舉洞霄宮。
咸淳十(shi)年(nian)(nian)(1274),元兵大(da)舉渡江(jiang)(jiang),江(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)聞之(zhi),泰然處之(zhi),不(bu)(bu)走(zou)不(bu)(bu)逃。憤而怒曰(yue):“大(da)勢不(bu)(bu)可(ke)支,余(yu)雖不(bu)(bu)在位,當與國(guo)(guo)(guo)共存(cun)亡(wang)。”德祐元年(nian)(nian)(1275),饒州(zhou)(zhou)城破之(zhi)日(ri),正(zheng)是江(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)率(lv)子侄(zhi)多人(ren)(ren)(ren)投止水自盡殉國(guo)(guo)(guo)之(zhi)時。朝(chao)野(ye)上(shang)下為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)震動,國(guo)(guo)(guo)人(ren)(ren)(ren)志士(shi)無不(bu)(bu)致哀(ai),文天(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)祥(xiang)更是哭曰(yue):“星抒臺(tai)衡地(di),斯文去(qu)矣休(xiu)(xiu)。湖(hu)光與天(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)遠,屈注滄(cang)江(jiang)(jiang)流。”后(hou)(hou)張世(shi)杰收復(fu)饒州(zhou)(zhou),宋恭帝為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)輟朝(chao)哀(ai)悼,詔贈太(tai)傅(fu)、益(yi)國(guo)(guo)(guo)公(gong)。后(hou)(hou)加贈太(tai)師,謚號(hao)文忠(zhong)。江(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)之(zhi)門人(ren)(ren)(ren)后(hou)(hou)學,或(huo)(huo)追隨(sui)文天(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)祥(xiang)起(qi)兵,或(huo)(huo)與義(yi)軍轉戰南(nan)北,或(huo)(huo)為(wei)(wei)岳(yue)(yue)麓(lu)書院(yuan)諸生保衛(wei)潭州(zhou)(zhou),或(huo)(huo)隱(yin)匿(ni)山林(lin)(lin)屢(lv)征不(bu)(bu)出(chu),或(huo)(huo)就教書院(yuan)終老林(lin)(lin)泉(quan)。國(guo)(guo)(guo)共存(cun)亡(wang)。”德祐元年(nian)(nian)(1275),饒州(zhou)(zhou)城破之(zhi)日(ri),正(zheng)是江(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)率(lv)子侄(zhi)多人(ren)(ren)(ren)投止水自盡殉國(guo)(guo)(guo)之(zhi)時。朝(chao)野(ye)上(shang)下為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)震動,國(guo)(guo)(guo)人(ren)(ren)(ren)志士(shi)無不(bu)(bu)致哀(ai),文天(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)祥(xiang)更是哭曰(yue):“星抒臺(tai)衡地(di),斯文去(qu)矣休(xiu)(xiu)。湖(hu)光與天(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)遠,屈注滄(cang)江(jiang)(jiang)流。”后(hou)(hou)張世(shi)杰收復(fu)饒州(zhou)(zhou),宋恭帝為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)輟朝(chao)哀(ai)悼,詔贈太(tai)傅(fu)、益(yi)國(guo)(guo)(guo)公(gong)。后(hou)(hou)加贈太(tai)師,謚號(hao)文忠(zhong)。江(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)之(zhi)門人(ren)(ren)(ren)后(hou)(hou)學,或(huo)(huo)追隨(sui)文天(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)(tian)祥(xiang)起(qi)兵,或(huo)(huo)與義(yi)軍轉戰南(nan)北,或(huo)(huo)為(wei)(wei)岳(yue)(yue)麓(lu)書院(yuan)諸生保衛(wei)潭州(zhou)(zhou),或(huo)(huo)隱(yin)匿(ni)山林(lin)(lin)屢(lv)征不(bu)(bu)出(chu),或(huo)(huo)就教書院(yuan)終老林(lin)(lin)泉(quan)。
江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)一(yi)生歷兩(liang)朝(chao),宦(huan)海幾度(du)(du)沉浮,先(xian)后(hou)任(ren)(ren)過吉州、隆興知府、駕御(yu)郎官(guan)、尚(shang)右兼侍讀、監察御(yu)史、右正(zheng)言(yan)殿中待(dai)御(yu)史、左丞相(xiang)兼樞密使,但他無論是(shi)位(wei)高權重還是(shi)貶謫(zhe)期間,始終不(bu)(bu)(bu)忘愛國,正(zheng)所謂“屆廟堂之高,則憂(you)(you)其君;處江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)湖(hu)(hu)之遠,則憂(you)(you)其民(min)”。南宋(song)(song)理宗時,江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)任(ren)(ren)待(dai)御(yu)史,其母(mu)(mu)病危,江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)因(yin)公(gong)(gong)務繁忙(mang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能脫身,只是(shi)派(pai)其弟回家(jia)探望(wang),當他親自(zi)返家(jia)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li),其母(mu)(mu)已(yi)病故(gu)。這(zhe)(zhe)時,朝(chao)中有人(ren)誹議說他“不(bu)(bu)(bu)忠不(bu)(bu)(bu)孝”,這(zhe)(zhe)在(zai)(zai)當時可是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)小的罪(zui)狀,江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)因(yin)此在(zai)(zai)家(jia)賦閑12年。宋(song)(song)度(du)(du)宗即位(wei),度(du)(du)宗念江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)之遠見卓識,任(ren)(ren)命他擔任(ren)(ren)同知樞密院事(shi)(shi)兼參(can)知政事(shi)(shi),逢權臣賈(jia)似道得(de)寵,與(yu)賈(jia)曲阿逢迎(ying)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同,江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)因(yin)剛直不(bu)(bu)(bu)阿而(er)為(wei)賈(jia)不(bu)(bu)(bu)容(rong),江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)被再(zai)次罷(ba)官(guan)。南宋(song)(song)將亡,宋(song)(song)度(du)(du)宗再(zai)次想起曾(ceng)被自(zi)己譽為(wei)“國之柱石”的江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li),遂任(ren)(ren)命江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)為(wei)左丞相(xiang)兼樞密院使。江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)一(yi)身領(ling)兩(liang)府,加上時局維(wei)艱,公(gong)(gong)務更為(wei)繁忙(mang)。因(yin)湖(hu)(hu)北襄陽被元兵圍困,臨安危在(zai)(zai)旦夕(軍(jun)事(shi)(shi)家(jia)有“襄陽破,南宋(song)(song)亡”之說),江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)力主(zhu)抗元,提出襄陽解圍良(liang)策,與(yu)賈(jia)似道相(xiang)抵(di)觸被再(zai)度(du)(du)罷(ba)官(guan)。罷(ba)官(guan)賦閑后(hou)的江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)(li)對前(qian)來探望(wang)的學生文天祥執手相(xiang)看(kan)淚(lei)眼,囑予國事(shi)(shi)并寄(ji)予殷切(qie)的希望(wang)。
作(zuo)為著名(ming)學(xue)者(zhe),史(shi)(shi)(shi)書(shu)稱江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)“問(wen)學(xue)德望(wang),優于(yu)諸臣”,“議論風采,傾(qing)動一(yi)時”,是歷(li)(li)史(shi)(shi)(shi)公(gong)(gong)認的(de)與歐(ou)(ou)(ou)陽(yang)修、司馬光(guang)齊名(ming)的(de)歷(li)(li)史(shi)(shi)(shi)文(wen)化名(ming)人,文(wen)天祥(xiang)稱江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)“都范(范仲俺(an))、馬(司馬光(guang))之望(wang)于(yu)一(yi)身(shen)”。文(wen)天祥(xiang)曾在《賀江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)左(zuo)丞相除湖南安撫使判潭洲(zhou)》一(yi)文(wen)中(zhong)對江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)的(de)學(xue)問(wen)名(ming)節(jie)有過精彩(cai)的(de)評述:“……修名(ming)偉節(jie),以日月(yue)為明(ming),泰山為高;奧學(xue)精言,為天地立心,生(sheng)民立命……”江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)壯烈殉(xun)國后,門生(sheng)劉辰翁(weng)(著名(ming)愛國詩人)在《江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)文(wen)忠公(gong)(gong)祠(ci)堂記》中(zhong)說(shuo):“自斯文(wen)一(yi)變而至(zhi)歐(ou)(ou)(ou)公(gong)(gong),再(zai)變而至(zhi)先生(sheng)……其好士似(si)歐(ou)(ou)(ou)公(gong)(gong)”論諫似(si)歐(ou)(ou)(ou)公(gong)(gong),變文(wen)體似(si)歐(ou)(ou)(ou)公(gong)(gong),而又(you)得謚似(si)歐(ou)(ou)(ou)公(gong)(gong)”。
作為(wei)書院(yuan)教(jiao)育家,江萬(wan)里依然(ran)成就(jiu)斐然(ran)。他(ta)先后創辦了(le)(le)白鷺(lu)洲書院(yuan)、道(dao)源書院(yuan)、宗濂精舍等三(san)所書院(yuan),就(jiu)是(shi)在被(bei)(bei)貶期間還(huan)被(bei)(bei)邀(yao)請到安徽黟縣石鼓寺講學。江萬(wan)里一(yi)生(sheng)獎掖人才,培養出了(le)(le)一(yi)批以文天(tian)祥(xiang)為(wei)代表(biao)的杰出人士,另(ling)外還(huan)有劉(liu)南(nan)圃、劉(liu)辰翁、歐陽(yang)守道(dao)、鄧光薦等都是(shi)他(ta)的學生(sheng)。