宋寧宗慶(qing)元四(si)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1198年(nian)(nian)(nian))十(shi)月十(shi)六日,江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)(wan)里生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)于今江(jiang)西省都昌(chang)縣陽峰(feng)鄉共升府(fu)(fu)前村,名臨(lin),字子(zi)遠(yuan)(yuan),號古心(xin),萬(wan)(wan)(wan)里是(shi)其(qi)出仕(shi)后(hou)的(de)用名。與弟江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)(wan)載、江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)(wan)頃因(yin)為(wei)(wei)先后(hou)科(ke)舉(ju)高(gao)中(zhong)(zhong),且(qie)又(you)都登仕(shi)宋庭高(gao)官(guan)(guan),最(zui)后(hou)又(you)先后(hou)殉國(guo),被(bei)時(shi)人和(he)后(hou)世雅稱為(wei)(wei)江(jiang)氏“三(san)(san)古”或江(jiang)氏“三(san)(san)昆玉”。南宋著名愛國(guo)丞相(xiang),民(min)族英雄(xiong),是(shi)南宋末(mo)年(nian)(nian)(nian)仕(shi)林和(he)文壇領袖,中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)十(shi)三(san)(san)世紀著名的(de)政治家(jia)和(he)教(jiao)育(yu)家(jia)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)人獨自創立三(san)(san)所(suo)(suo)高(gao)等學府(fu)(fu),為(wei)(wei)古今中(zhong)(zhong)外之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)第一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)人,尤(you)其(qi)是(shi)其(qi)所(suo)(suo)創辦的(de)白鷺洲書(shu)院(yuan),延續千(qian)年(nian)(nian)(nian),在(zai)(zai)(zai)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)科(ke)舉(ju)時(shi)代共培養出文天祥等十(shi)七(qi)位狀元,2700多名進士,書(shu)院(yuan)所(suo)(suo)在(zai)(zai)(zai)的(de)江(jiang)西吉安科(ke)舉(ju)中(zhong)(zhong)選(xuan)人數(shu)幾近此(ci)后(hou)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)千(qian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)科(ke)舉(ju)的(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)半,被(bei)稱為(wei)(wei)千(qian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)“文章節義(yi)(yi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)邦”為(wei)(wei)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)古代書(shu)院(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)最(zui)。江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)(wan)里為(wei)(wei)官(guan)(guan)清廉(lian),敢言直諫,無論朝(chao)官(guan)(guan)還是(shi)放任地方府(fu)(fu)省均政績斐然,為(wei)(wei)官(guan)(guan)府(fu)(fu)和(he)百姓所(suo)(suo)稱道;一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)雖(sui)屢(lv)受(shou)權奸排擠,屢(lv)遭罷(ba)貶(bian),而(er)(er)(er)始終(zhong)(zhong)不(bu)畏權奸,不(bu)泯憂(you)國(guo)愛民(min)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心(xin);在(zai)(zai)(zai)南宋末(mo)民(min)族矛盾激化,國(guo)家(jia)危難(nan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)際,始則“手培國(guo)本(ben),力(li)濟時(shi)艱”,“但見拳(quan)拳(quan)于國(guo)事,未嘗汲汲于身謀”,“極力(li)破權門(men)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死(si)黨,奮(fen)身生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)善(shan)類之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)齊盟(meng),精白一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)心(xin),創切百奏,風(feng)(feng)彩(cai)聳聞于列辟(pi),霜棱(leng)(leng)愈棱(leng)(leng)于內(nei)(nei)臺,其(qi)序(xu)升橫榻(ta)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)班,以(yi)(yi)增(zeng)重(zhong)本(ben)朝(chao)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)勢”,“以(yi)(yi)淳心(xin)正學,輔國(guo)視(shi)政,起賢遠(yuan)(yuan)識,為(wei)(wei)時(shi)奇艾,若朝(chao)廷之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)典章,軍國(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)機務,生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)民(min)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)休戚,政治之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)得失,皆常(chang)履而(er)(er)(er)知矣”當其(qi)窮盡一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),年(nian)(nian)(nian)老體(ti)弱,無力(li)補(bu)天之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)時(shi),則“從容(rong)坐守,以(yi)(yi)為(wei)(wei)民(min)望(wang)”“死(si)不(bu)離城”繼而(er)(er)(er)“去生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)就死(si),義(yi)(yi)節忠肝”恨“生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)面被(bei)執(zhi),為(wei)(wei)國(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)恥”,“憤國(guo)家(jia)云之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)亡,恥腥膻(shan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)移,雖(sui)神林故鄉可以(yi)(yi)終(zhong)(zhong)其(qi)天年(nian)(nian)(nian),旦不(bu)肯為(wei)(wei),而(er)(er)(er)況于屈身事虜者(zhe)哉!”最(zui)終(zhong)(zhong)“左右攜孫,自為(wei)(wei)紛紛,父忠子(zi)孝,兄貞弟烈(lie),天義(yi)(yi)婦順,笑赴(fu)止水(shui)(shui)”“從之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)者(zhe)同知君,積(ji)尸如疊(die),不(bu)審其(qi)偕老之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)媛,而(er)(er)(er)婢仆亦爭以(yi)(yi)盡”。在(zai)(zai)(zai)國(guo)破家(jia)亡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)際,江(jiang)萬(wan)(wan)(wan)里與其(qi)子(zi)江(jiang)鎬(hao),毅然率(lv)180多家(jia)人投止水(shui)(shui)池殉國(guo),希望(wang)以(yi)(yi)自己及家(jia)人之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死(si)喚(huan)醒“天下忠義(yi)(yi)節烈(lie)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士聞風(feng)(feng)而(er)(er)(er)起,聚集萬(wan)(wan)(wan)千(qian)眾人之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)力(li),保(bao)江(jiang)山(shan)社稷(ji)不(bu)移腥膻(shan),道德文章不(bu)墮宇內(nei)(nei)”,其(qi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)堪稱古今之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)完(wan)人,千(qian)古道德風(feng)(feng)范之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)楷模(mo)。
宋嘉定十(shi)五年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1222年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)),江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里貢入大學(xue),太(tai)子趙昀(宋理(li)宗(zong)(zong))極為(wei)(wei)賞識(shi),曾書(shu)(shu)“江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里”三(san)字于幾硯之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)間(jian)(jian)。寶慶(qing)二(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1226年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))以(yi)舍(she)(she)選(xuan)登(deng)進(jin)士第,所作(zuo)策(ce)論,《郭子儀單騎(qi)見虎》文中(zhong)表露對郭子儀的膽識(shi)和愛國情(qing)操仰慕之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)情(qing),主(zhu)考官閱卷(juan)為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)動情(qing),欣(xin)然批(pi)道:“立意新(xin)而措詞妙,高古文也。”寶慶(qing)六年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),以(yi)舍(she)(she)選(xuan)出身,任池州(zhou)(zhou)教(jiao)(jiao)授。后(hou)召(zhao)館試,歷任著作(zuo)佐郎(lang)(lang),權尚左郎(lang)(lang)官兼(jian)(jian)樞密院(yuan)檢詳文字。嘉熙四(si)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1240年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))出知吉(ji)州(zhou)(zhou)軍(jun),其(qi)(qi)(qi)所作(zuo)《勸(quan)農詩》云:“父老前來吾語爾,官民相近古遺風。欲知太(tai)守樂其(qi)(qi)(qi)樂,樂在田(tian)家歡笑中(zhong)。”從政(zheng)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)余,特別熱心教(jiao)(jiao)育。淳(chun)祜元年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1241年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))于吉(ji)州(zhou)(zhou)州(zhou)(zhou)治廬陵縣城(cheng)東贛(gan)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心,創建(jian)白鷺(lu)州(zhou)(zhou)書(shu)(shu)院(yuan),廣泛收(shou)藏圖書(shu)(shu),收(shou)授門徒。奏聞朝(chao)廷,理(li)宗(zong)(zong)御書(shu)(shu)賜匾(bian)額“白鷺(lu)州(zhou)(zhou)書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)”。當時(shi)書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)沒有(you)另任山(shan)長,他(ta)自主(zhu)其(qi)(qi)(qi)事(shi),自為(wei)(wei)諸生講(jiang)授,忘(wang)其(qi)(qi)(qi)為(wei)(wei)大府(fu)。后(hou)人為(wei)(wei)他(ta)立碑,表彰他(ta)的辦學(xue)功(gong)道:江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里創白鷺(lu)書(shu)(shu)院(yuan),使(shi)“縉紳(即官宦代稱)德之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),吏民憐(lian)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),悍卒(勇猛之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人)化之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)”。第二(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),遷直(zhi)(zhi)秘閣,知隆興(xing)府(fu),又(you)在隆興(xing)府(fu)建(jian)宗(zong)(zong)濂精舍(she)(she),廣聚(ju)生徒,講(jiang)學(xue)其(qi)(qi)(qi)中(zhong)。奏聞朝(chao)廷,理(li)宗(zong)(zong)又(you)親賜書(shu)(shu)御書(shu)(shu)匾(bian)額。這期(qi)間(jian)(jian),他(ta)還囑告南(nan)安知軍(jun)林(lin)壽公在其(qi)(qi)(qi)軍(jun)治大庾縣源三(san)先生祠(ci)(祀周敦頤(yi),程(cheng)(cheng)頤(yi),程(cheng)(cheng)顥)擴建(jian)為(wei)(wei)周程(cheng)(cheng)書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)。因辦學(xue)成績卓著,于淳(chun)祜三(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)遷考功(gong)郎(lang)(lang)官,兼(jian)(jian)直(zhi)(zhi)秘閣,主(zhu)管健康府(fu)崇禧觀(guan)。不(bu)(bu)久,改任紹(shao)興(xing)府(fu)千(qian)秋(qiu)鳴禧觀(guan),后(hou)又(you)以(yi)駕部郎(lang)(lang)官召(zhao),遷尚右兼(jian)(jian)侍講(jiang)。五年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1245年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))三(san)月,與(yu)理(li)宗(zong)(zong)談論諸事(shi)得失,曾說(shuo):“君子只知有(you)事(shi)非,不(bu)(bu)知有(you)利害。”他(ta)秉性耿直(zhi)(zhi),剛正(zheng)不(bu)(bu)阿,十(shi)一(yi)月上書(shu)(shu)彈劾林(lin)光(guang)遷等依權附勢之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)徒。十(shi)二(er)月不(bu)(bu)顧主(zhu)降派反對,勸(quan)說(shuo)理(li)宗(zong)(zong)啟用趙葵主(zhu)持(chi)兵(bing)事(shi),陳韋單主(zhu)持(chi)財政(zheng),使(shi)主(zhu)戰(zhan)派一(yi)度(du)得以(yi)執(zhi)掌朝(chao)政(zheng),為(wei)(wei)此屢遭主(zhu)降派攻擊。六年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),他(ta)升遷監察御史(shi)兼(jian)(jian)侍講(jiang),未幾,又(you)升殿中(zhong)侍御史(shi)。這時(shi)的江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里,“器望(wang)清峻(jun),論議風采,傾(qing)動于時(shi)。”但(dan)忤者嫉(ji)妒,謗言興(xing)起,言其(qi)(qi)(qi)母病未能(neng)及時(shi)到家送終,使(shi)其(qi)(qi)(qi)遭受(shou)酷罰,坐(zuo)廢(fei)十(shi)二(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)。
寶(bao)祐三年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1255年(nian)(nian)(nian)),由(you)于陸德興為江萬(wan)里(li)(li)辨白而得以啟用,任福建轉運使(shi)(shi)。開慶元年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1259年(nian)(nian)(nian))正(zheng)月(yue),投入京湖(hu)宣(xuan)撫(fu)大使(shi)(shi)賈(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)幕下任參謀官。十(shi)月(yue)賈(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)入相(xiang),萬(wan)里(li)(li)同(tong)時入朝兼國子監祭灑,侍讀。景(jing)定元年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1260年(nian)(nian)(nian))入對(dui)。遷刑部(bu)侍郎(lang)。不(bu)(bu)久(jiu),升吏部(bu)尚書。次(ci)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1261年(nian)(nian)(nian))。進遷端(duan)明殿(dian)學(xue)士,同(tong)簽書樞密(mi)院(yuan)院(yuan)事兼太(tai)子賓客。這(zhe)年(nian)(nian)(nian),萬(wan)里(li)(li)已年(nian)(nian)(nian)逾(yu)六(liu)十(shi),是賈(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)府中之任職(zhi)最久(jiu)者(zhe)。他開始雖府仰默客,為賈(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)所用,但他秉性耿直,臨(lin)事不(bu)(bu)能無言。賈(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao)惡(討厭)其(qi)輕發(輕率,說(shuo)話不(bu)(bu)夠慎(shen)重),經(jing)常觸怒賈(jia)(jia)似(si)道(dao)(dao),故第每次(ci)都不(bu)(bu)能久(jiu)在其(qi)位。這(zhe)年(nian)(nian)(nian)。又(you)因(yin)言論而被解職(zhi),只以端(duan)明殿(dian)學(xue)士提臨(lin)安府洞霄宮(gong)。至(zhi)景(jing)定四年(nian)(nian)(nian),才以原職(zhi)出任福州(zhou)知(zhi)州(zhou)兼福建安撫(fu)使(shi)(shi)。
景定四年十一月(yue),宋(song)度(du)宗即(ji)位(wei)(wei),詔(zhao)求直言善諫之士,召江(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)回行都臨安。咸(xian)淳(chun)元年(1265年)二月(yue),任萬(wan)里(li)同知(zhi)(zhi)樞密院(yuan)事,兼(jian)(jian)(jian)參知(zhi)(zhi)政(zheng)事,又(you)與賈(jia)(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)同朝。賈(jia)(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)擅政(zheng)后,位(wei)(wei)極人臣(chen),極力推行賣(mai)國張,使(shi)疆土日削,國勢日危,萬(wan)里(li)不(bu)(bu)能耐何(he),便(bian)于同年七(qi)月(yue),奏請(qing)歸田(tian),未(wei)允。十二月(yue),賈(jia)(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)辭職要挾度(du)宗,宋(song)度(du)宗涕泣,欲拜(bai)留,萬(wan)里(li)當即(ji)以身掖(ye)帝云:“自古無此(ci)君臣(chen)禮,陛(bi)下不(bu)(bu)可拜(bai)。”又(you)一次(ci)觸怒了(le)賈(jia)(jia)(jia)(jia)。帝在講筵,每問經史及(ji)古人姓名,賈(jia)(jia)(jia)(jia)不(bu)(bu)能對(dui),萬(wan)里(li)常從旁代答,使(shi)賈(jia)(jia)(jia)(jia)積怒而謀逐出萬(wan)里(li)。江(jiang)萬(wan)里(li)與賈(jia)(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)每每相忤(wu),不(bu)(bu)得已四次(ci)上書求退,于咸(xian)淳(chun)三年出知(zhi)(zhi)太平州(zhou)兼(jian)(jian)(jian)江(jiang)東轉運使(shi),后又(you)轉湖南(nan)(nan)任安撫(fu)大(da)使(shi),咸(xian)淳(chun)五年,又(you)自湖南(nan)(nan)召拜(bai)參知(zhi)(zhi)政(zheng)事,封南(nan)(nan)康郡公(gong),剛到任,又(you)拜(bai)左丞(cheng)相兼(jian)(jian)(jian)樞密使(shi)。六年,蒙(meng)古軍(jun)圍攻(gong)襄陽,萬(wan)里(li)屢請(qing)派援軍(jun)救護,賈(jia)(jia)(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)不(bu)(bu)許,于是(shi)萬(wan)里(li)又(you)因此(ci)被委(wei)以觀文(wen)殿大(da)學士出知(zhi)(zhi)福(fu)(fu)州(zhou)兼(jian)(jian)(jian)福(fu)(fu)建安撫(fu)大(da)使(shi),萬(wan)里(li)堅持,依舊職提舉洞(dong)霄(xiao)宮。
咸淳(chun)(chun)十年(nian)(1274),元(yuan)兵大(da)(da)舉渡(du)江(jiang)(jiang),江(jiang)(jiang)萬里聞之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),泰然(ran)處之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),不(bu)(bu)(bu)走不(bu)(bu)(bu)逃。憤而(er)怒(nu)曰:“大(da)(da)勢(shi)(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)可支,余雖不(bu)(bu)(bu)在位,當(dang)與宋嘉定十五年(nian)(1222年(nian)),江(jiang)(jiang)萬里貢入大(da)(da)學(xue)(xue),太(tai)子(zi)趙(zhao)昀(宋理宗(zong))極為(wei)(wei)賞識(shi)(shi),曾(ceng)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)“江(jiang)(jiang)萬里”三(san)字于(yu)幾(ji)硯之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)間。寶慶二(er)(er)年(nian)(1226年(nian))以(yi)舍選(xuan)登進士第(di),所作策論,《郭子(zi)儀(yi)單騎見虎》文中表露(lu)對(dui)郭子(zi)儀(yi)的(de)膽識(shi)(shi)和愛國情操(cao)仰慕之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)情,主(zhu)(zhu)考(kao)(kao)官(guan)(guan)閱卷為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)動情,欣然(ran)批道(dao)(dao):“立(li)意(yi)新而(er)措詞妙(miao),高古(gu)文也。”寶慶六(liu)年(nian),以(yi)舍選(xuan)出身(shen),任(ren)池州教(jiao)授。后召(zhao)館試,歷(li)任(ren)著作佐郎,權(quan)尚左(zuo)郎官(guan)(guan)兼樞(shu)密院(yuan)(yuan)檢詳文字。嘉熙四年(nian)(1240年(nian))出知吉州軍,其(qi)(qi)所作《勸(quan)農(nong)詩》云:“父老前來吾語爾,官(guan)(guan)民相近古(gu)遺風(feng)(feng)。欲知太(tai)守樂其(qi)(qi)樂,樂在田家歡(huan)笑中。”從(cong)政之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)余,特別熱心教(jiao)育。淳(chun)(chun)祜(hu)元(yuan)年(nian)(1241年(nian))于(yu)吉州州治廬陵(ling)縣(xian)城東贛江(jiang)(jiang)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心,創(chuang)建(jian)白鷺州書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan),廣泛收藏(zang)圖書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),收授門徒。奏(zou)聞朝(chao)廷,理宗(zong)御(yu)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)賜(si)(si)匾額(e)“白鷺州書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan)”。當(dang)時書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan)沒有另任(ren)山長(chang),他(ta)自主(zhu)(zhu)其(qi)(qi)事,自為(wei)(wei)諸(zhu)生講授,忘其(qi)(qi)為(wei)(wei)大(da)(da)府。后人(ren)為(wei)(wei)他(ta)立(li)碑,表彰他(ta)的(de)辦(ban)學(xue)(xue)功(gong)(gong)道(dao)(dao):江(jiang)(jiang)萬里創(chuang)白鷺書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan),使“縉紳(即官(guan)(guan)宦代稱)德(de)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),吏民憐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),悍卒(勇猛之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人(ren))化之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)”。第(di)二(er)(er)年(nian),遷(qian)直秘(mi)閣,知隆興府,又(you)(you)在隆興府建(jian)宗(zong)濂精舍,廣聚生徒,講學(xue)(xue)其(qi)(qi)中。奏(zou)聞朝(chao)廷,理宗(zong)又(you)(you)親賜(si)(si)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)御(yu)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)匾額(e)。這(zhe)期間,他(ta)還(huan)囑(zhu)告南安知軍林壽公在其(qi)(qi)軍治大(da)(da)庾(yu)縣(xian)源三(san)先生祠(祀周(zhou)敦(dun)頤(yi),程(cheng)頤(yi),程(cheng)顥)擴建(jian)為(wei)(wei)周(zhou)程(cheng)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)院(yuan)(yuan)。因辦(ban)學(xue)(xue)成(cheng)績(ji)卓著,于(yu)淳(chun)(chun)祜(hu)三(san)年(nian)遷(qian)考(kao)(kao)功(gong)(gong)郎官(guan)(guan),兼直秘(mi)閣,主(zhu)(zhu)管(guan)健(jian)康府崇禧觀。不(bu)(bu)(bu)久,改(gai)任(ren)紹興府千秋鳴禧觀,后又(you)(you)以(yi)駕部郎官(guan)(guan)召(zhao),遷(qian)尚右(you)兼侍(shi)講。五年(nian)(1245年(nian))三(san)月,與理宗(zong)談論諸(zhu)事得失,曾(ceng)說(shuo)(shuo):“君子(zi)只知有事非,不(bu)(bu)(bu)知有利害。”他(ta)秉性耿(geng)直,剛正不(bu)(bu)(bu)阿,十一月上書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)彈劾林光(guang)遷(qian)等(deng)依(yi)權(quan)附勢(shi)(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)徒。十二(er)(er)月不(bu)(bu)(bu)顧(gu)主(zhu)(zhu)降派反對(dui),勸(quan)說(shuo)(shuo)理宗(zong)啟用趙(zhao)葵主(zhu)(zhu)持兵事,陳韋單主(zhu)(zhu)持財政,使主(zhu)(zhu)戰派一度得以(yi)執掌朝(chao)政,為(wei)(wei)此屢遭主(zhu)(zhu)降派攻擊。六(liu)年(nian),他(ta)升遷(qian)監(jian)察御(yu)史兼侍(shi)講,未(wei)幾(ji),又(you)(you)升殿(dian)中侍(shi)御(yu)史。這(zhe)時的(de)江(jiang)(jiang)萬里,“器望清峻,論議風(feng)(feng)采,傾動于(yu)時。”但忤者嫉妒,謗言興起,言其(qi)(qi)母病未(wei)能及時到(dao)家送終,使其(qi)(qi)遭受酷(ku)罰,坐廢十二(er)(er)年(nian)。
寶祐三年(nian)(nian)(1255年(nian)(nian)),由于(yu)陸德(de)興為(wei)江萬里(li)(li)辨白而得以(yi)啟(qi)用(yong),任(ren)福建轉運使(shi)。開慶元(yuan)年(nian)(nian)(1259年(nian)(nian))正月(yue),投入(ru)(ru)京湖宣撫大(da)使(shi)賈(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)幕下(xia)任(ren)參(can)謀官(guan)。十月(yue)賈(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)入(ru)(ru)相,萬里(li)(li)同時入(ru)(ru)朝兼國子(zi)監祭(ji)灑,侍讀。景定元(yuan)年(nian)(nian)(1260年(nian)(nian))入(ru)(ru)對(dui)。遷刑部侍郎。不(bu)久,升(sheng)吏部尚書(shu)。次年(nian)(nian)(1261年(nian)(nian))。進遷端(duan)明殿學(xue)(xue)士(shi),同簽書(shu)樞密院院事兼太子(zi)賓客(ke)。這年(nian)(nian),萬里(li)(li)已年(nian)(nian)逾六十,是賈(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)府(fu)中之任(ren)職最久者。他開始(shi)雖府(fu)仰默客(ke),為(wei)賈(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)所用(yong),但他秉(bing)性耿直,臨事不(bu)能無(wu)言。賈(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao)惡(討厭)其(qi)(qi)輕(qing)(qing)發(輕(qing)(qing)率,說話(hua)不(bu)夠慎重),經常觸怒(nu)賈(jia)(jia)似(si)(si)道(dao),故第每(mei)次都不(bu)能久在(zai)其(qi)(qi)位。這年(nian)(nian)。又因言論而被解職,只(zhi)以(yi)端(duan)明殿學(xue)(xue)士(shi)提臨安(an)府(fu)洞霄(xiao)宮。至景定四年(nian)(nian),才以(yi)原職出任(ren)福州(zhou)知州(zhou)兼福建安(an)撫使(shi)。
景定四年十一(yi)月(yue),宋度宗(zong)(zong)即位(wei)(wei),詔求直言(yan)善(shan)諫(jian)之(zhi)士,召江萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)回行(xing)都臨(lin)安。咸淳(chun)元年(1265年)二月(yue),任萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)同知(zhi)(zhi)樞密(mi)(mi)院事,兼(jian)參知(zhi)(zhi)政事,又(you)(you)與(yu)賈(jia)似(si)道同朝。賈(jia)似(si)道擅政后(hou),位(wei)(wei)極人臣,極力推行(xing)賣國(guo)張,使疆土日削,國(guo)勢日危,萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)不(bu)(bu)能耐何(he),便于(yu)同年七月(yue),奏請(qing)歸(gui)田,未允(yun)。十二月(yue),賈(jia)似(si)道辭職要挾度宗(zong)(zong),宋度宗(zong)(zong)涕(ti)泣,欲拜(bai)留,萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)當即以身(shen)掖(ye)帝云(yun):“自古無此(ci)君(jun)臣禮,陛下不(bu)(bu)可拜(bai)。”又(you)(you)一(yi)次觸怒了(le)賈(jia)。帝在(zai)講筵(yan),每(mei)問經史及古人姓(xing)名,賈(jia)不(bu)(bu)能對(dui),萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)常從旁代答,使賈(jia)積怒而謀逐出(chu)(chu)萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)。江萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)與(yu)賈(jia)似(si)道每(mei)每(mei)相忤,不(bu)(bu)得已四次上書求退,于(yu)咸淳(chun)三年出(chu)(chu)知(zhi)(zhi)太平州兼(jian)江東轉(zhuan)運(yun)使,后(hou)又(you)(you)轉(zhuan)湖(hu)南任安撫(fu)大使,咸淳(chun)五年,又(you)(you)自湖(hu)南召拜(bai)參知(zhi)(zhi)政事,封南康郡(jun)公,剛到任,又(you)(you)拜(bai)左(zuo)丞相兼(jian)樞密(mi)(mi)使。六年,蒙古軍(jun)圍(wei)攻襄陽,萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)屢請(qing)派援軍(jun)救(jiu)護(hu),賈(jia)似(si)道不(bu)(bu)許,于(yu)是萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)又(you)(you)因此(ci)被委以觀文(wen)殿大學士出(chu)(chu)知(zhi)(zhi)福州兼(jian)福建(jian)安撫(fu)大使,萬(wan)(wan)里(li)(li)(li)(li)堅持,依舊職提舉(ju)洞霄宮。
咸淳十年(nian)(1274),元(yuan)兵大舉渡江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang),江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里(li)聞之(zhi)(zhi),泰然處之(zhi)(zhi),不(bu)(bu)(bu)走(zou)不(bu)(bu)(bu)逃。憤而怒曰:“大勢不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)支,余雖不(bu)(bu)(bu)在位,當(dang)與國(guo)(guo)共存(cun)亡。”德祐(you)元(yuan)年(nian)(1275),饒州城(cheng)破之(zhi)(zhi)日,正是江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里(li)率子侄多人(ren)投止(zhi)水自(zi)盡殉國(guo)(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)時(shi)。朝(chao)(chao)野(ye)上(shang)(shang)下(xia)為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)震動(dong),國(guo)(guo)人(ren)志(zhi)(zhi)士無不(bu)(bu)(bu)致哀(ai),文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)天(tian)(tian)(tian)祥更(geng)是哭曰:“星(xing)抒臺衡地(di),斯文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)去矣休(xiu)。湖光與天(tian)(tian)(tian)遠(yuan),屈注滄江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)流(liu)。”后(hou)張世(shi)(shi)杰(jie)收(shou)復饒州,宋恭帝為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)輟朝(chao)(chao)哀(ai)悼,詔贈(zeng)太(tai)傅、益國(guo)(guo)公。后(hou)加贈(zeng)太(tai)師,謚號文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)忠。江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里(li)之(zhi)(zhi)門人(ren)后(hou)學(xue)(xue),或追(zhui)隨文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)天(tian)(tian)(tian)祥起(qi)兵,或與義軍(jun)轉(zhuan)戰南北,或為(wei)岳麓(lu)書(shu)院諸生保衛潭州,或隱(yin)匿山林(lin)屢(lv)征(zheng)不(bu)(bu)(bu)出(chu),或就(jiu)教書(shu)院終老(lao)林(lin)泉。國(guo)(guo)共存(cun)亡。”德祐(you)元(yuan)年(nian)(1275),饒州城(cheng)破之(zhi)(zhi)日,正是江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里(li)率子侄多人(ren)投止(zhi)水自(zi)盡殉國(guo)(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)時(shi)。朝(chao)(chao)野(ye)上(shang)(shang)下(xia)為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)震動(dong),國(guo)(guo)人(ren)志(zhi)(zhi)士無不(bu)(bu)(bu)致哀(ai),文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)天(tian)(tian)(tian)祥更(geng)是哭曰:“星(xing)抒臺衡地(di),斯文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)去矣休(xiu)。湖光與天(tian)(tian)(tian)遠(yuan),屈注滄江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)流(liu)。”后(hou)張世(shi)(shi)杰(jie)收(shou)復饒州,宋恭帝為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)輟朝(chao)(chao)哀(ai)悼,詔贈(zeng)太(tai)傅、益國(guo)(guo)公。后(hou)加贈(zeng)太(tai)師,謚號文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)忠。江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)萬里(li)之(zhi)(zhi)門人(ren)后(hou)學(xue)(xue),或追(zhui)隨文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)天(tian)(tian)(tian)祥起(qi)兵,或與義軍(jun)轉(zhuan)戰南北,或為(wei)岳麓(lu)書(shu)院諸生保衛潭州,或隱(yin)匿山林(lin)屢(lv)征(zheng)不(bu)(bu)(bu)出(chu),或就(jiu)教書(shu)院終老(lao)林(lin)泉。
江萬(wan)里(li)(li)一(yi)生歷(li)兩朝,宦海(hai)幾度沉(chen)浮(fu),先后任(ren)(ren)過吉(ji)州、隆興知府(fu)、駕御(yu)(yu)郎官(guan)、尚(shang)右(you)(you)兼(jian)(jian)侍讀、監察御(yu)(yu)史(shi)、右(you)(you)正言殿中(zhong)待(dai)御(yu)(yu)史(shi)、左丞(cheng)相(xiang)(xiang)兼(jian)(jian)樞(shu)密(mi)使,但(dan)他(ta)無論是(shi)位(wei)高權(quan)重還是(shi)貶謫(zhe)期間,始終不(bu)(bu)(bu)忘愛國(guo)(guo),正所謂“屆(jie)廟堂之(zhi)高,則憂其(qi)(qi)君(jun);處江湖之(zhi)遠,則憂其(qi)(qi)民”。南(nan)宋理宗時,江萬(wan)里(li)(li)任(ren)(ren)待(dai)御(yu)(yu)史(shi),其(qi)(qi)母病(bing)(bing)危,江萬(wan)里(li)(li)因(yin)公(gong)務(wu)繁忙(mang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能脫身(shen),只是(shi)派其(qi)(qi)弟(di)回家(jia)探望,當他(ta)親自(zi)返家(jia)里(li)(li),其(qi)(qi)母已(yi)病(bing)(bing)故。這(zhe)時,朝中(zhong)有人誹議說他(ta)“不(bu)(bu)(bu)忠不(bu)(bu)(bu)孝”,這(zhe)在當時可是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)小的罪狀(zhuang),江萬(wan)里(li)(li)因(yin)此在家(jia)賦(fu)閑(xian)12年。宋度宗即位(wei),度宗念(nian)江萬(wan)里(li)(li)之(zhi)遠見卓識,任(ren)(ren)命他(ta)擔任(ren)(ren)同知樞(shu)密(mi)院(yuan)事(shi)兼(jian)(jian)參知政事(shi),逢權(quan)臣賈(jia)似(si)道(dao)得寵,與賈(jia)曲阿逢迎不(bu)(bu)(bu)同,江萬(wan)里(li)(li)因(yin)剛直(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)阿而(er)為(wei)賈(jia)不(bu)(bu)(bu)容,江萬(wan)里(li)(li)被再(zai)(zai)次(ci)罷(ba)官(guan)。南(nan)宋將(jiang)亡,宋度宗再(zai)(zai)次(ci)想起曾(ceng)被自(zi)己(ji)譽為(wei)“國(guo)(guo)之(zhi)柱石”的江萬(wan)里(li)(li),遂(sui)任(ren)(ren)命江萬(wan)里(li)(li)為(wei)左丞(cheng)相(xiang)(xiang)兼(jian)(jian)樞(shu)密(mi)院(yuan)使。江萬(wan)里(li)(li)一(yi)身(shen)領兩府(fu),加上時局(ju)維艱,公(gong)務(wu)更為(wei)繁忙(mang)。因(yin)湖北襄陽(yang)被元兵圍困(kun),臨安(an)危在旦(dan)夕(xi)(軍事(shi)家(jia)有“襄陽(yang)破,南(nan)宋亡”之(zhi)說),江萬(wan)里(li)(li)力主(zhu)抗元,提出襄陽(yang)解圍良(liang)策(ce),與賈(jia)似(si)道(dao)相(xiang)(xiang)抵觸被再(zai)(zai)度罷(ba)官(guan)。罷(ba)官(guan)賦(fu)閑(xian)后的江萬(wan)里(li)(li)對前來(lai)探望的學生文(wen)天祥執手(shou)相(xiang)(xiang)看淚眼,囑予國(guo)(guo)事(shi)并寄予殷切的希望。
作為(wei)著(zhu)名(ming)學(xue)者,史(shi)書(shu)稱江(jiang)萬里(li)“問學(xue)德(de)望,優于諸臣”,“議論(lun)風采,傾動一(yi)時(shi)”,是(shi)歷史(shi)公(gong)(gong)認的(de)與歐(ou)陽修(xiu)、司馬(ma)光齊名(ming)的(de)歷史(shi)文(wen)(wen)化名(ming)人,文(wen)(wen)天祥(xiang)稱江(jiang)萬里(li)“都范(范仲俺)、馬(ma)(司馬(ma)光)之(zhi)望于一(yi)身(shen)”。文(wen)(wen)天祥(xiang)曾(ceng)在《賀江(jiang)左(zuo)丞相(xiang)除湖南安撫使判潭洲》一(yi)文(wen)(wen)中對江(jiang)萬里(li)的(de)學(xue)問名(ming)節有過精彩的(de)評述:“……修(xiu)名(ming)偉節,以日(ri)月為(wei)明(ming),泰山為(wei)高;奧學(xue)精言,為(wei)天地立心,生民立命……”江(jiang)萬里(li)壯烈殉國(guo)后,門生劉(liu)辰翁(weng)(著(zhu)名(ming)愛國(guo)詩人)在《江(jiang)文(wen)(wen)忠公(gong)(gong)祠堂記》中說:“自斯文(wen)(wen)一(yi)變(bian)而(er)至(zhi)歐(ou)公(gong)(gong),再變(bian)而(er)至(zhi)先生……其好士似(si)歐(ou)公(gong)(gong)”論(lun)諫(jian)似(si)歐(ou)公(gong)(gong),變(bian)文(wen)(wen)體似(si)歐(ou)公(gong)(gong),而(er)又得謚似(si)歐(ou)公(gong)(gong)”。
作為書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)教育家,江萬里依(yi)然(ran)成(cheng)就斐然(ran)。他(ta)(ta)先后創(chuang)辦了白鷺洲書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)、道(dao)源書(shu)(shu)院(yuan)、宗濂(lian)精舍(she)等(deng)三所書(shu)(shu)院(yuan),就是(shi)在被(bei)貶期間還被(bei)邀請到(dao)安徽黟縣石鼓寺講學(xue)。江萬里一生(sheng)獎掖人才,培養出了一批以(yi)文(wen)天祥為代(dai)表(biao)的杰出人士,另外還有劉(liu)南圃(pu)、劉(liu)辰翁、歐陽(yang)守道(dao)、鄧(deng)光薦等(deng)都是(shi)他(ta)(ta)的學(xue)生(sheng)。