后(hou)趙(zhao)建武四年(338年)五(wu)月(yue),后(hou)趙(zhao)皇帝(di)石虎(hu)以燕軍(jun)違(wei)約獨攻段部(bu)鮮(xian)卑,得(de)勝(sheng)。又(you)以劫掠而歸為(wei)由,發(fa)兵(bing)數十萬(wan)北(bei)伐,圍困(kun)大(da)棘(ji)城(cheng)(今遼寧義縣)。燕趙(zhao)兩軍(jun)相持十余日,趙(zhao)軍(jun)不能(neng)克(ke),遂后(hou)退。慕容皝派慕容恪率2000騎兵(bing)于(yu)清(qing)晨(chen)出(chu)城(cheng)追殺。石虎(hu)見城(cheng)內師出(chu),大(da)驚,棄(qi)甲潰逃(tao)。慕容恪乘(cheng)勝(sheng)追擊(ji),大(da)敗后(hou)趙(zhao)軍(jun),斬獲三萬(wan)余級。
后趙建(jian)武四年(nian)(338年(nian))十(shi)二月,段部鮮卑首領段遼遣使向后趙請降(jiang),中途(tu)反悔,又遣使請降(jiang)于前燕(yan),并與前燕(yan)合(he)謀(mou)設伏,欲(yu)消滅趙軍(jun)(jun)。時后趙皇帝石虎已派征(zheng)東將軍(jun)(jun)麻(ma)秋、司(si)(si)馬陽裕等率兵(bing)3萬前去受降(jiang)。前燕(yan)王慕(mu)容(rong)皝自(zi)統大軍(jun)(jun)前往迎(ying)段遼,派慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)帶精(jing)騎7000埋伏于密云山。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)大敗麻(ma)秋于三藏口(今河(he)北承德),趙軍(jun)(jun)死亡大半(ban),麻(ma)秋步行逃(tao)脫,司(si)(si)馬陽裕被(bei)俘。
咸康七年(341)年十(shi)月(yue),燕(yan)王慕(mu)容皝以慕(mu)容恪為(wei)渡遼將軍(jun),鎮(zhen)守(shou)平郭(guo)。前燕(yan)自(zi)從(cong)慕(mu)容翰(han)逃亡,慕(mu)容仁被(bei)殺(sha)后,無人能鎮(zhen)守(shou)遼東。慕(mu)容恪行至(zhi)平郭(guo),撫舊(jiu)懷新,屢破高(gao)句麗兵(bing),高(gao)句麗畏之,不(bu)敢再(zai)入燕(yan)境(jing)。
建元二(er)年(344年)二(er)月,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)皝(huang)親自帶兵攻(gong)宇(yu)文(wen)逸豆歸,以建威(wei)將軍(jun)(jun)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)翰(于(yu)(yu)咸康六年回到燕(yan)國)為前(qian)鋒將軍(jun)(jun),劉佩(pei)為副將;命慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)與慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)軍(jun)(jun)、慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)霸及(ji)折沖將軍(jun)(jun)慕(mu)(mu)輿根等率(lv)兵分三(san)路并進(jin)。最終大破(po)宇(yu)文(wen)軍(jun)(jun),燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)乘勝追(zhui)擊,攻(gong)克宇(yu)文(wen)氏(shi)(shi)都城紫(zi)蒙(meng)川(chuan)(今遼寧朝陽西(xi)北(bei))。宇(yu)文(wen)逸豆歸敗逃(tao),死于(yu)(yu)漠北(bei),宇(yu)文(wen)氏(shi)(shi)從此散亡。
永和(he)元年(nian)(345年(nian))十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)皝(huang)令慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)攻(gong)打高句麗。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)攻(gong)拔南蘇(su)(今遼寧撫順(shun)市東蘇(su)子(zi)河與(yu)(yu)渾(hun)河合流處),派(pai)兵留守(shou)。永和(he)二年(nian)(346年(nian))正月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)皝(huang)派(pai)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)與(yu)(yu)世子(zi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁(jun)(jun)、慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)軍、慕(mu)(mu)輿根及1.7萬(wan)騎兵襲擊扶余(yu)(yu)(yu)國。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁(jun)(jun)坐鎮中軍指揮(hui),而慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)則統(tong)帥諸軍冒矢石進擊,攻(gong)克(ke)扶余(yu)(yu)(yu),俘扶余(yu)(yu)(yu)國王(wang)玄及部落5萬(wan)余(yu)(yu)(yu)口(kou)而還。
永和六年(350年),后(hou)趙(zhao)大將(jiang)軍冉閔(min)占(zhan)據鄴(ye)城,滅亡(wang)后(hou)趙(zhao)。自(zi)立為(wei)帝,國(guo)號大魏,史稱冉魏。
永和七年(351年)八月,慕容(rong)儁遣慕容(rong)恪攻(gong)破中山(今(jin)河(he)北定州)。隨著慕容(rong)恪攻(gong)占(zhan)中山后,冉(ran)閔攻(gong)取(qu)了(le)襄國(guo)(今(jin)河(he)北邢臺),欲圖幽州。前燕占(zhan)領幽州后,也想繼續(xu)南進(jin),圖據中原,一場大戰不(bu)可避免。
永和八年(nian)(352年(nian))四月,冉(ran)(ran)閔將(jiang)(jiang)與前燕(yan)開(kai)戰(zhan)(zhan)。大將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)董閏、車騎將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)張溫苦諫冉(ran)(ran)閔,不(bu)(bu)可同前燕(yan)開(kai)戰(zhan)(zhan)。冉(ran)(ran)閔不(bu)(bu)納,移軍(jun)(jun)(jun)于安(an)喜(今河北定(ding)(ding)州(zhou))。慕容(rong)恪隨即引(yin)兵而(er)至。魏燕(yan)兩軍(jun)(jun)(jun)交(jiao)戰(zhan)(zhan)十次(ci),燕(yan)兵皆(jie)敗(bai)。冉(ran)(ran)閔素(su)有勇名,所部(bu)將(jiang)(jiang)士精(jing)銳,燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)畏懼。慕容(rong)恪陣前激(ji)勵將(jiang)(jiang)士,指出(chu)冉(ran)(ran)閔有勇無(wu)謀,其軍(jun)(jun)(jun)饑疲難用,定(ding)(ding)可擊(ji)(ji)(ji)破(po)。冉(ran)(ran)閔所部(bu)多步卒(zu),欲引(yin)燕(yan)騎兵至叢林作戰(zhan)(zhan)。慕容(rong)恪采納參(can)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)高開(kai)之策(ce),急派輕騎截擊(ji)(ji)(ji)之,然后佯敗(bai)誘敵至平地(di),并(bing)將(jiang)(jiang)燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)切分為三部(bu)。慕容(rong)恪自率中(zhong)軍(jun)(jun)(jun),選善射者五千(qian)人,以鐵鎖連戰(zhan)(zhan)馬結方陣而(er)前,另兩部(bu)各(ge)置一側配合主力進擊(ji)(ji)(ji)。冉(ran)(ran)閔恃勇輕敵,果(guo)然中(zhong)計,直突燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)中(zhong)部(bu)鐵馬方陣。燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)側翼部(bu)隊(dui)即從(cong)兩面夾擊(ji)(ji)(ji),大敗(bai)冉(ran)(ran)閔軍(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui),斬七(qi)千(qian)余人。冉(ran)(ran)閔突圍(wei)東走二十余里(li),坐騎忽死,被燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)所俘,冉(ran)(ran)魏滅亡(wang)。
元璽元年(352年),冉閔被慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)軍(jun)俘虜后,其子(zi)冉操投奔鎮(zhen)守魯(lu)口(kou)(今(jin)河北饒陽)的(de)大將(jiang)王午(wu)。七月(yue)(yue)(yue),王午(wu)自(zi)稱安國(guo)王,對(dui)抗前燕(yan)。八月(yue)(yue)(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁遣慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)、太尉封奕、尚(shang)書令陽騖攻(gong)打魯(lu)口(kou)。王午(wu)憑借城池之險進行抵抗,并把冉操送(song)于燕(yan)軍(jun)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)料魯(lu)口(kou)城池堅固(gu),暫難攻(gong)克,遂(sui)將(jiang)城外的(de)莊稼(jia)盡數收割(ge),撤回中山(今(jin)河北定州(zhou)市)。十(shi)月(yue)(yue)(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)屯安平,積(ji)糧,修筑攻(gong)城器(qi)具,準備攻(gong)討(tao)王午(wu)。時中山蘇(su)林(lin)起(qi)兵(bing)于無極,自(zi)稱天(tian)子(zi),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)率軍(jun)先攻(gong)討(tao)蘇(su)林(lin)。十(shi)月(yue)(yue)(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁派廣威(wei)將(jiang)軍(jun)慕(mu)(mu)輿根幫助慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke),斬蘇(su)林(lin)。不(bu)久,王午(wu)為其將(jiang)秦興(xing)殺死,呂護又(you)殺秦興(xing),繼(ji)承(cheng)安國(guo)王。
元璽三年(354年)二月(yue)(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容恪再次發兵圍魯口,次月(yue)(yue)克之。呂護逃往野王(今河南沁(qin)陽)。四月(yue)(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容儁(jun)以慕(mu)(mu)容恪為大(da)(da)司(si)馬、侍中、大(da)(da)都督(du)、錄尚書事,封太原王。
建熙二(er)年(361年)二(er)月,寧南將軍呂護(hu),鎮(zhen)守野王(今(jin)河南沁陽(yang)),暗中投靠東晉(jin),東晉(jin)以呂護(hu)為前將軍、冀(ji)州刺史。呂護(hu)欲引東晉(jin)軍偷襲(xi)燕(yan)都鄴(ye)城(今(jin)河北臨漳(zhang)),未及行動(dong),事情(qing)敗露。
三月,燕王(wang)遣慕容(rong)恪(ke)統軍(jun)前往野(ye)王(wang)平叛。慕容(rong)恪(ke)率軍(jun)5萬,冠(guan)軍(jun)將軍(jun)皇甫真領兵1萬,進至野(ye)王(wang)城(cheng)外,呂護閉(bi)城(cheng)固守。慕容(rong)恪(ke)遂于(yu)野(ye)王(wang)城(cheng)外修筑(zhu)深溝高壘,切斷(duan)守軍(jun)外援,以待(dai)機(ji)擊之(zhi)。
七月,呂(lv)(lv)(lv)護(hu)軍(jun)被圍數月,外無(wu)救兵(bing),內無(wu)糧(liang)草(cao)。呂(lv)(lv)(lv)護(hu)被迫令部(bu)將張興(xing)率領7000人馬出城迎(ying)戰,張興(xing)被傅(fu)顏(yan)斬殺。當夜,呂(lv)(lv)(lv)護(hu)以黃甫真(zhen)營陣為(wei)突圍口,率城中銳卒(zu)試圖突圍。皇(huang)甫真(zhen)事(shi)先已(yi)做(zuo)好(hao)防備,慕(mu)容恪(ke)領兵(bing)從側翼出擊,呂(lv)(lv)(lv)護(hu)所部(bu)死傷慘重,呂(lv)(lv)(lv)護(hu)單騎逃往(wang)滎陽(今河南滎陽),燕軍(jun)攻(gong)克(ke)野王,結束野王之戰。
永和六年(350年)前后,原段(duan)(duan)氏(shi)鮮卑首領段(duan)(duan)蘭之子段(duan)(duan)龕乘著后趙內亂、冉魏新(xin)立之機,統帥(shuai)部眾南遷陳留(liu)(今河南開封)。七月,東遷廣固(今山東青州),自稱齊王,向東晉稱臣,受封為鎮(zhen)北將(jiang)軍。
元璽四年(355年),前(qian)燕(yan)攻(gong)滅石氏、冉魏的(de)勢力,開拓疆域,成為(wei)地(di)跨(kua)幽、冀、并、平四州的(de)政權,掙脫(tuo)東晉,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)自稱為(wei)帝(di)。段龕以為(wei)與慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)同出鮮卑,致書慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)稱帝(di)之非;加之段部所據廣固,勢力漸(jian)強,已威脅(xie)前(qian)燕(yan)的(de)統治,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)遂決意(yi)發(fa)兵攻(gong)廣固。十一月,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)以慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)為(wei)大都督、撫軍將軍,尚(shang)書令陽騖為(wei)副將,率(lv)軍進攻(gong)廣固。十二月,燕(yan)軍至黃河北(bei)岸(an),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)先以輕舟渡(du)河,試探虛(xu)實。
元璽五年(356年)正(zheng)月,慕容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)率軍渡過黃河,距廣(guang)固(gu)(gu)百余里。段龕率軍3萬人迎戰,慕容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)于淄水戰敗段龕,數千名士卒投降(jiang)燕(yan)(yan)軍。段龕逃回(hui)廣(guang)固(gu)(gu),閉城固(gu)(gu)守。慕容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)率燕(yan)(yan)軍在廣(guang)固(gu)(gu)城外修(xiu)高墻挖深塹圍困之。并招撫廣(guang)固(gu)(gu)四周諸城,段龕所署徐州刺史王騰等于二(er)月投降(jiang)慕容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)。
慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)圍廣(guang)固(gu)七(qi)個月(yue)后,段(duan)龕(kan)(kan)難以(yi)支撐,遂派(pai)人(ren)向東(dong)(dong)晉求援。八月(yue),東(dong)(dong)晉派(pai)徐州刺史荀羨前(qian)往解圍。荀羨行至瑯琊,畏懼燕(yan)軍不(bu)進。恰(qia)逢王(wang)騰帶軍攻打鄄城(今山(shan)東(dong)(dong)鄄城),荀羨遂進攻陽都(今山(shan)東(dong)(dong)沂南),斬王(wang)騰。不(bu)久(jiu),廣(guang)固(gu)城內路人(ren)相食,無以(yi)為(wei)(wei)守(shou)(shou)(shou)。段(duan)龕(kan)(kan)悉眾出戰,被慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)在圍里(li)擊(ji)敗,單騎逃回城中。十(shi)一月(yue),段(duan)龕(kan)(kan)計(ji)窮,只得出降。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)安撫百姓(xing),平定齊地(di),遷鮮卑、胡(hu)、羯三千余戶至薊。留慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)塵(chen)鎮廣(guang)固(gu),以(yi)尚書左丞鞠殷為(wei)(wei)東(dong)(dong)萊太守(shou)(shou)(shou),章武太守(shou)(shou)(shou)鮮于(yu)亮為(wei)(wei)齊郡太守(shou)(shou)(shou),率(lv)軍而還。
廣固城之戰后(hou),東(dong)(dong)晉泰山太(tai)守諸(zhu)葛攸(you)進(jin)攻東(dong)(dong)郡(jun)(今(jin)河(he)南(nan)濮(pu)陽(yang))。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪領統陽(yang)騖、慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)臧率兵進(jin)擊,大敗晉軍,諸(zhu)葛攸(you)退回太(tai)山(今(jin)山東(dong)(dong)泰安)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪乘勝渡過黃(huang)河(he),占(zhan)領河(he)南(nan)部分(fen)土地,并設守宰(zai)。此(ci)后(hou),前燕轄境迅速延至黃(huang)河(he)以南(nan),對東(dong)(dong)晉構成了威脅。
光壽(shou)三年(nian)(nian)(359年(nian)(nian)),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁患病,對慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪說:朕(zhen)(zhen)病得這么(me)虛弱,恐怕是好(hao)不了。壽(shou)命長短(duan),都沒有什么(me)可怨恨的了!不過,現在東晉和前秦未除,太子慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐年(nian)(nian)幼。朕(zhen)(zhen)擔心他應付不來,想(xiang)效法宋(song)宣公,將皇位交給你。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪堅決拒絕,更說:“陛下(xia)(xia)若果認為臣(chen)能(neng)夠(gou)承擔安定天下(xia)(xia)的重責(ze),難道(dao)就沒能(neng)好(hao)好(hao)輔助少主!”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁聽后十分高興。
光壽四年(360年)正月,慕容(rong)儁在鄴城大閱郡國之兵(bing),欲派大軍進攻秦、晉(jin),但病情轉(zhuan)危,遂召慕容(rong)恪、慕容(rong)鶩(mu)、慕容(rong)評及慕輿根等受遺(yi)詔輔(fu)政,旋即病卒,時(shi)年四十二歲,葬于龍(long)陵,謚號景昭皇(huang)帝,廟號烈祖(zu)。皇(huang)太子慕容(rong)暐即位,年僅十一歲。二月,尊皇(huang)后(hou)可足渾氏(shi)為(wei)皇(huang)太后(hou),以慕容(rong)恪太宰、錄尚書事(shi),行周公(gong)事(shi),總攝朝政。
不(bu)(bu)(bu)過(guo),當時(shi)作(zuo)為(wei)太師輔政的慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)自恃(shi)戰(zhan)功顯赫,高傲自大,看不(bu)(bu)(bu)起(qi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)為(wei)挑起(qi)事(shi)端(duan)以作(zuo)亂,先以可(ke)足渾太后(hou)(hou)干政來挑撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke),謊稱支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)奪位。但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)不(bu)(bu)(bu)受(shou)。吳王慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)以及皇(huang)甫真(zhen)及后(hou)(hou)都(dou)(dou)勸他誅殺(sha)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen),但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)以皇(huang)帝新死,國家安穩為(wei)首要(yao),決(jue)定忍耐。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)挑撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)不(bu)(bu)(bu)成(cheng),于是試圖(tu)離間慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐母(mu)子,想要(yao)太后(hou)(hou)誅殺(sha)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)等。新帝慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke),勸止了(le)母(mu)親。與(yu)此同時(shi),前燕(yan)已經在滅冉魏后(hou)(hou)遷(qian)都(dou)(dou)鄴城,以舊都(dou)(dou)龍城(今遼寧(ning)朝陽市)為(wei)留京。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)思戀遼東(dong)祖(zu)地,力勸太后(hou)(hou)和慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐建議還都(dou)(dou)龍城,變(bian)相放棄中(zhong)原地區(qu)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)知道后(hou)(hou),聯合慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)評密(mi)奏慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)罪(zui)狀,派衛將軍傅顏誅殺(sha)了(le)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)及其黨(dang)羽。
面對皇帝新死,就發生誅(zhu)殺(sha)輔政(zheng)重臣的(de)事件,國內憂慮(lv)情(qing)緒很高。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪舉止如常,出入都只有一(yi)人(ren)(ren)跟從,不肯加添守衛。然(ran)后(hou)大赦天下,并停發慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁生前(qian)所集(ji)(ji)各路(lu)兵員,受任理政(zheng),兢兢嚴(yan)謹(jin),與司徒慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)評共同協作,虛心待士,諮諏善道(dao),量才授任,燕政(zheng)為(wei)之一(yi)新。于是,境(jing)內局勢(shi)漸穩,人(ren)(ren)心稍為(wei)安定。同時,原先征集(ji)(ji)在鄴城(cheng)的(de)各郡軍人(ren)(ren)都因為(wei)國家(jia)內部(bu)紛亂而經常逃跑,而鄴城(cheng)向南(nan)方領地的(de)道(dao)路(lu)通訊不暢通。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪命令慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂(chui)南(nan)鎮蠡臺(今河南(nan)商丘),傅顏(yan)率軍南(nan)巡淮河,終(zhong)令國家(jia)安穩下來。
建熙六年(365年)二月,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪與(yu)吳王慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)垂共攻洛陽。三月,克(ke)之(zhi),俘虜揚武將軍沈勁(jing)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪惜之(zhi)為奇士欲赦(she)免,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)虔上書說:沈勁(jing)雖為奇士,卻終不可為己所用(yong),留之(zhi)必(bi)患。遂斬殺沈勁(jing)。
慕容(rong)恪(ke)奪取洛(luo)陽后(hou),隨即略(lve)地至崤山、澠池,關(guan)中大震,前秦天王(wang)苻堅親(qin)自到(dao)陜城(cheng)進行防備。不久,慕容(rong)恪(ke)率軍撤回鄴城(cheng)。
當時吳王慕容垂才能出眾,慕容恪對其非常倚重,曾多次(ci)向燕主進行推薦。
建熙(xi)七年(nian)(366年(nian)),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪病重,深慮慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐(wei)手中無實權,而慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)評又多猜忌,便對慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐(wei)之兄、樂安王(wang)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)臧(zang)舉(ju)薦吳(wu)王(wang)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)垂,但是慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)臧(zang)沒有聽從慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪的話。
慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐親臨慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)府向(xiang)他(ta)詢問后事,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)再次向(xiang)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐推薦慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)垂,說:“我聽聞(wen),傅說舉薦士人(ren)。板筑(zhu)之(zhi)人(ren)都可(ke)以(yi),更(geng)何況是國家的懿(yi)籓(fan)!吳王兼具文武(wu)之(zhi)才,才能僅次于(yu)管仲、蕭(xiao)何。陛下(xia)如果把政務(wu)交給他(ta),國家就(jiu)能獲得安定(ding)。不然,我怕二(er)寇肯(ken)定(ding)會有窺窬之(zhi)計(ji)。”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)言終而卒(zu)。死后,贈本官,謚號為桓。
慕容(rong)恪一生,戰昌黎(li)、密云,破高(gao)句麗、宇文部,攻石趙殘余,滅冉(ran)魏、段齊(qi),討呂護平野王(wang),擊東晉(jin)下洛陽,戰功赫赫,構(gou)筑(zhu)了前(qian)燕的(de)最大版圖。同(tong)時,慕容(rong)儁死后,官拜太(tai)宰,輔(fu)佐幼(you)主慕容(rong)暐(wei),以謙恭寬(kuan)和(he)的(de)姿態穩(wen)定(ding)國政,使得國內(nei)相(xiang)對穩(wen)定(ding)。
慕容皝:“恪智勇俱濟,汝(ru)其委之。”
王(wang)猛:“慕容玄恭,信奇士也,可謂(wei)古之遺愛矣!”
崔浩:“王猛之(zhi)經國(guo),苻堅之(zhi)管仲也(ye);慕容恪之(zhi)輔少主,慕容暐之(zhi)霍光(guang)也(ye)。”
張(zhang)預:“沉深有(you)大(da)度。......容貌魁(kui)杰(jie),雄毅嚴(yan)(yan)重,每所言及,輒經綸世務,.......數從皝征(zheng)伐,臨機多奇策。......雖(sui)執(zhi)權政事(shi),必(bi)諮之(zhi)于評。罷(ba)朝歸第(di),則(ze)盡心色養(yang),手不(bu)(bu)釋卷(juan)。.......恪(ke)為將不(bu)(bu)尚(shang)威嚴(yan)(yan),專(zhuan)以(yi)恩(en)信御(yu)物,務于大(da)略(lve),不(bu)(bu)以(yi)小令勞眾。軍(jun)士有(you)犯(fan)(fan)法(fa),密縱舍之(zhi),捕斬(zhan)賊首(shou)以(yi)令軍(jun)。營內不(bu)(bu)整似可(ke)犯(fan)(fan),而防御(yu)甚嚴(yan)(yan),終無(wu)喪敗。........恪(ke)之(zhi)為將,專(zhuan)以(yi)恩(en)信而不(bu)(bu)尚(shang)威嚴(yan)(yan)是也。”
張預: “孫子曰:‘輔周(zhou)則國必(bi)強(qiang)。’恪在中原,桓溫以謂所憂方大(da)。又曰:‘卒未(wei)親(qin)附而罰之,則不(bu)服。’恪之為將,專以恩信而不(bu)尚(shang)威嚴是也。”
陳普:“霜雹(bao)風沙雜亂(luan)飛,段(duan)龕(kan)地(di)下見春歸。時來但處周公(gong)位,歷舉華人百世(shi)希。”“當時人才南(nan)有謝安,北有慕容恪,西有王猛。較其分數,玄恭其賢(xian)矣,安石善處轇轕之(zhi)(zhi)際,富貴之(zhi)(zhi)心薄(bo)(bo)而家世(shi)清虛(xu),無能(neng)遠猷。王景略干(gan)將(jiang)吳鉤(gou)薄(bo)(bo)于德矣。玄恭才優而心正,獨不能(neng)力主(zhu)。李績終殺,沈勁為可恨。而其討段(duan)龕(kan),城下數語,天地(di)鬼神實聞之(zhi)(zhi)事(shi)。”
張(zhang)大齡:“慕容(rong)氏自(zi)龍驤以(yi)來(lai),世豪東(dong)夏,其(qi)(qi)子孫(sun)俱英朗雄杰,發在童(tong)孺(ru),天之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)所(suo)興,其(qi)(qi)誰廢之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!太(tai)原(yuan)德業邁於(wu)(wu)狐趙,吳(wu)王才(cai)器不(bu)下管(guan)蕭。昔舜生諸馮,東(dong)夷之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)可(ke)以(yi)其(qi)(qi)鮮卑而(er)(er)(er)少之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)?償恪而(er)(er)(er)不(bu)死,更得明主事之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),與吳(wu)王垂左提(ti)右挈,驅駕才(cai)俊,混一(yi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)業,指(zhi)顧而(er)(er)(er)定矣!乃吳(wu)王力足(zu)(zu)以(yi)討評,而(er)(er)(er)不(bu)為首亂;時足(zu)(zu)以(yi)取堅(jian),而(er)(er)(er)還其(qi)(qi)舊(jiu)兵;威足(zu)(zu)以(yi)困(kun)丕,而(er)(er)(er)開(kai)以(yi)生路,尤人(ren)所(suo)難(nan)者。至於(wu)(wu)八十之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)齡,取西燕(yan)(yan)如(ru)拾(shi)芥,挫魏兵如(ru)發蒙,真太(tai)原(yuan)所(suo)謂命世之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)才(cai)也。后來(lai)亡國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)主,猶自(zi)翹然,身在鼎俎,神(shen)色不(bu)變。蓋先世大有(you)功德,故(gu)子孫(sun)蹶而(er)(er)(er)復(fu)奮,不(bu)若(ruo)諸胡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)敗(bai)涂地(di)。予(yu)於(wu)(wu)和(he)龍之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君(jun),獨有(you)取爾者以(yi)此。太(tai)尉(wei)裕(yu)平燕(yan)(yan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)日(ri),欲(yu)坑廣固,得韓范諫而(er)(er)(er)止(zhi)。嗚呼!燕(yan)(yan)何(he)罪(zui)哉!前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)開(kai)基,取之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)劉石。后燕(yan)(yan)恢復(fu),奪之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)苻秦(qin)。燕(yan)(yan)何(he)罪(zui)哉!而(er)(er)(er)戮之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)若(ruo)斯之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)慘也。太(tai)尉(wei)此舉,不(bu)惟遠(yuan)愧三代吊(diao)伐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)師,且(qie)近有(you)怍於(wu)(wu)玄恭(gong)景略矣。惜哉!”
《廣(guang)名將(jiang)傳》:“前燕(yan)慕容恪,深沉有(you)略。皝(huang)授以(yi)兵,從征參酌。使鎮遼東,寇不敢作(zuo)。嗣雋親之,立功不薄。俊死(si)暐(wei)孤,復(fu)以(yi)后托(tuo)。有(you)謀中(zhong)原,桓曰大錯(cuo)。慕容恪存,憂方如(ru)昨。慕輿根誅,內(nei)外錯(cuo)愕。恪獨(du)安之,使人(ren)把捉。罷朝而(er)歸,養親為樂。臨(lin)死(si)薦賢,報恩(en)急(ji)著。忠孝若(ruo)斯,才應兼學。”
王夫之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):“五胡旋(xuan)(xuan)起(qi)旋(xuan)(xuan)滅,而中(zhong)原之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死于兵(bing)刃者(zhe)不(bu)可(ke)殫計。殫中(zhong)原之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)民于兵(bing)刃,而其旋(xuan)(xuan)起(qi)者(zhe)亦必旋(xuan)(xuan)滅。其能(neng)有(you)人之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)而因(yin)以自全者(zhe),唯慕容恪(ke)乎(hu)!故中(zhong)國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,一姓(xing)不(bu)再興,而慕容氏既滅而復起(qi)。恪(ke)圍段龕(kan)(kan)于廣固,諸將請亟攻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),恪(ke)曰:“龕(kan)(kan)兵(bing)尚(shang)眾,未有(you)離(li)心(xin),盡銳攻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),殺吾士(shi)卒必多(duo)矣,自有(you)事中(zhong)原,兵(bing)不(bu)暫(zan)息,吾每念之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),夜(ye)而忘寐(mei),要在取之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),不(bu)必求功之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)速。”嗚呼(hu)!惻悱之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)言(yan),自其中(zhong)發,功成而人免于死,恪(ke)可(ke)不(bu)謂夷中(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)錚(zheng)(zheng)錚(zheng)(zheng)者(zhe)乎(hu)!”
李鴻章:“為國者,但問自(zi)治,而不依他人之(zhi)(zhi)禍福。晉人喜慕容儁之(zhi)(zhi)沒,豈知慕容恪之(zhi)(zhi)更勝。今日(ri)急務,莫先儲才。培植(zhi)人才必以(yi)學(xue)堂為根本(ben)。”
宋丹凝:“雖(sui)然慕容恪(ke)為(wei)一代名將,但其(qi)政治(zhi)(zhi)功(gong)績(ji)也非常大。在(zai)慕容儁(jun)死后,慕容恪(ke)甘為(wei)周公(gong),輔(fu)佐(zuo)幼主慕容暐;官至太(tai)宰,虛(xu)懷待(dai)物(wu),知人善任;整(zheng)頓吏治(zhi)(zhi),嚴明賞(shang)罰,謙虛(xu)謹慎,從不(bu)專斷;誅(zhu)殺叛臣慕輿根,穩(wen)定(ding)朝政。前燕政局(ju)的穩(wen)定(ding),多半是慕容恪(ke)的功(gong)勞。”
梁(liang)軍:“慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪的(de)一(yi)生,也(ye)是前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)由(you)弱變強的(de)一(yi)段時間。他(ta)歷事三主,在(zai)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝與慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)(jun)在(zai)位時,率軍南征北戰,開疆(jiang)拓土,輔佐(zuo)幼主慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐七年(nian)間,前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)政治空前(qian)(qian)穩定,所(suo)以他(ta)在(zai)燕(yan)國(guo)所(suo)占的(de)重(zhong)要(yao)(yao)地位是不言而喻的(de)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)(jun)死(si)后,東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)認(ren)為(wei)有機(ji)可乘,桓(huan)溫則說(shuo):‘慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪尚存,所(suo)憂方為(wei)大耳。’在(zai)其死(si)后,前(qian)(qian)秦、東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)先(xian)后攻(gong)打前(qian)(qian)燕(yan),前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)也(ye)迅(xun)速滅亡(wang),這從(cong)另一(yi)方面(mian)也(ye)反映出(chu)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪對(dui)于前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)的(de)重(zhong)要(yao)(yao)性(xing)。”
萬繩楠(nan):“慕容(rong)恪以其驚人的戰績,被后世譽為‘十(shi)六國第一名將’。”