后趙(zhao)建武四年(338年)五(wu)月,后趙(zhao)皇帝石(shi)虎以(yi)燕軍違約獨攻段部鮮卑,得勝。又以(yi)劫掠而歸(gui)為由,發兵數十萬北伐(fa),圍困大(da)(da)棘城(cheng)(今遼寧義(yi)縣)。燕趙(zhao)兩(liang)軍相持(chi)十余日,趙(zhao)軍不能克,遂后退。慕(mu)容皝派慕(mu)容恪率2000騎(qi)兵于清(qing)晨(chen)出(chu)城(cheng)追殺。石(shi)虎見(jian)城(cheng)內師出(chu),大(da)(da)驚,棄甲潰逃(tao)。慕(mu)容恪乘勝追擊,大(da)(da)敗后趙(zhao)軍,斬獲三萬余級。
后趙建(jian)武四年(338年)十二月,段(duan)部鮮卑首領段(duan)遼(liao)遣(qian)使向(xiang)后趙請(qing)降,中途反(fan)悔(hui),又遣(qian)使請(qing)降于前(qian)燕(yan)(yan),并(bing)與前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)合謀設伏,欲消滅趙軍。時后趙皇帝石虎已派征東(dong)將軍麻(ma)(ma)秋、司馬陽(yang)裕(yu)等(deng)率兵3萬前(qian)去受降。前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)王慕(mu)容(rong)皝自(zi)統大(da)(da)軍前(qian)往迎段(duan)遼(liao),派慕(mu)容(rong)恪帶精騎7000埋伏于密云山(shan)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪大(da)(da)敗麻(ma)(ma)秋于三藏(zang)口(今河北(bei)承(cheng)德(de)),趙軍死亡大(da)(da)半,麻(ma)(ma)秋步行(xing)逃脫(tuo),司馬陽(yang)裕(yu)被俘(fu)。
咸康七年(341)年十月,燕王慕(mu)容(rong)皝以(yi)慕(mu)容(rong)恪為渡遼(liao)將軍,鎮守平(ping)郭(guo)。前燕自從慕(mu)容(rong)翰逃亡,慕(mu)容(rong)仁(ren)被殺后(hou),無人能鎮守遼(liao)東(dong)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪行(xing)至平(ping)郭(guo),撫舊懷新,屢破高句麗兵,高句麗畏之,不(bu)敢再(zai)入燕境。
建(jian)元(yuan)二(er)(er)年(344年)二(er)(er)月,慕(mu)容(rong)皝親自帶兵攻宇(yu)文逸豆(dou)(dou)歸,以建(jian)威將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)慕(mu)容(rong)翰(han)(于咸康六年回到燕國)為(wei)前鋒將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun),劉佩為(wei)副(fu)將(jiang);命慕(mu)容(rong)恪與慕(mu)容(rong)軍(jun)(jun)、慕(mu)容(rong)霸及折沖將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)慕(mu)輿根等率兵分三路(lu)并進。最終(zhong)大破宇(yu)文軍(jun)(jun),燕軍(jun)(jun)乘勝追擊,攻克宇(yu)文氏都城紫蒙川(今遼寧(ning)朝陽西北(bei))。宇(yu)文逸豆(dou)(dou)歸敗逃,死于漠(mo)北(bei),宇(yu)文氏從此散(san)亡。
永和元年(nian)(345年(nian))十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)皝(huang)令(ling)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪攻打高(gao)句麗。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪攻拔南蘇(今遼寧撫(fu)順市東(dong)蘇子(zi)河與(yu)渾(hun)河合流(liu)處),派兵(bing)留守。永和二年(nian)(346年(nian))正月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)皝(huang)派慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪與(yu)世子(zi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁、慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)軍(jun)、慕(mu)(mu)輿根及(ji)1.7萬騎兵(bing)襲(xi)擊扶余國(guo)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁坐鎮中軍(jun)指(zhi)揮(hui),而慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪則統帥諸軍(jun)冒矢(shi)石進擊,攻克(ke)扶余,俘扶余國(guo)王(wang)玄及(ji)部(bu)落5萬余口(kou)而還。
永和六年(350年),后趙大將軍冉閔占(zhan)據(ju)鄴城,滅(mie)亡后趙。自立為帝,國號大魏(wei),史稱冉魏(wei)。
永和七(qi)年(351年)八月,慕容儁遣(qian)慕容恪(ke)攻破中(zhong)山(今(jin)(jin)河(he)北(bei)定州)。隨著慕容恪(ke)攻占中(zhong)山后,冉(ran)閔(min)攻取(qu)了(le)襄國(今(jin)(jin)河(he)北(bei)邢臺),欲圖幽州。前燕占領(ling)幽州后,也想繼續南進,圖據(ju)中(zhong)原,一場大(da)戰不可避免。
永和(he)八年(352年)四月,冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min)將與前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)開(kai)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)。大將軍(jun)(jun)董(dong)閏、車(che)騎(qi)將軍(jun)(jun)張(zhang)溫苦諫冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min),不(bu)可同前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)開(kai)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min)不(bu)納(na),移軍(jun)(jun)于安(an)喜(今河北定州)。慕容(rong)恪隨即引兵而至(zhi)。魏燕(yan)(yan)(yan)兩軍(jun)(jun)交戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)十次,燕(yan)(yan)(yan)兵皆敗。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min)素有(you)勇名(ming),所部(bu)將士精銳(rui),燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)畏懼。慕容(rong)恪陣前(qian)激勵將士,指出冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min)有(you)勇無謀,其軍(jun)(jun)饑(ji)疲難用,定可擊破。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min)所部(bu)多步卒,欲引燕(yan)(yan)(yan)騎(qi)兵至(zhi)叢林作戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)。慕容(rong)恪采納(na)參軍(jun)(jun)高開(kai)之策(ce),急(ji)派輕騎(qi)截擊之,然后佯敗誘敵至(zhi)平(ping)地,并將燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)切分為三部(bu)。慕容(rong)恪自率中(zhong)(zhong)軍(jun)(jun),選善射者(zhe)五千人,以鐵鎖連戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)馬結(jie)方(fang)陣而前(qian),另兩部(bu)各置一側配合主力(li)進擊。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min)恃勇輕敵,果(guo)然中(zhong)(zhong)計,直突燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)中(zhong)(zhong)部(bu)鐵馬方(fang)陣。燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)側翼部(bu)隊即從兩面夾擊,大敗冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun)隊,斬七千余人。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)(min)突圍東走(zou)二十余里,坐騎(qi)忽死,被燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)所俘(fu),冉(ran)(ran)(ran)魏滅亡。
元璽元年(352年),冉(ran)(ran)(ran)閔被(bei)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)軍(jun)俘虜后,其子冉(ran)(ran)(ran)操(cao)投奔鎮守魯(lu)口(kou)(今河(he)北(bei)饒陽)的大將(jiang)王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)。七月,王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)自稱安國王(wang)(wang)(wang),對(dui)抗(kang)前燕。八(ba)月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁遣慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)、太尉封奕(yi)、尚(shang)書令(ling)陽騖攻打魯(lu)口(kou)。王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)憑借城(cheng)(cheng)池之險進行抵抗(kang),并把冉(ran)(ran)(ran)操(cao)送于燕軍(jun)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)料(liao)魯(lu)口(kou)城(cheng)(cheng)池堅固(gu),暫難攻克,遂將(jiang)城(cheng)(cheng)外的莊稼盡(jin)數收割,撤回中(zhong)山(shan)(shan)(今河(he)北(bei)定(ding)州市)。十月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)屯安平,積糧,修筑攻城(cheng)(cheng)器(qi)具,準備攻討(tao)王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)。時中(zhong)山(shan)(shan)蘇(su)林(lin)(lin)起兵(bing)于無極,自稱天子,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)率軍(jun)先攻討(tao)蘇(su)林(lin)(lin)。十月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁派廣威將(jiang)軍(jun)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿根幫助慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke),斬(zhan)蘇(su)林(lin)(lin)。不(bu)久,王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)為其將(jiang)秦興(xing)殺死,呂(lv)護(hu)又(you)殺秦興(xing),繼承安國王(wang)(wang)(wang)。
元璽三年(354年)二月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪再次(ci)發兵圍魯口,次(ci)月克(ke)之。呂護逃(tao)往野王(wang)(wang)(今河南沁陽)。四月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容儁以慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪為大(da)司馬、侍中、大(da)都督(du)、錄尚書(shu)事,封太原王(wang)(wang)。
建熙二(er)年(361年)二(er)月,寧(ning)南將軍(jun)(jun)呂(lv)護,鎮守(shou)野王(今河南沁陽),暗(an)中(zhong)投靠東晉(jin)(jin),東晉(jin)(jin)以呂(lv)護為前(qian)將軍(jun)(jun)、冀州刺史。呂(lv)護欲引東晉(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)偷襲燕都(dou)鄴城(今河北臨漳),未(wei)及(ji)行動,事情敗露。
三月,燕王(wang)遣慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪統軍(jun)(jun)前往(wang)野王(wang)平叛。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪率軍(jun)(jun)5萬,冠軍(jun)(jun)將軍(jun)(jun)皇(huang)甫(fu)真領兵1萬,進至野王(wang)城外,呂護閉(bi)城固守。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪遂于野王(wang)城外修筑深溝高壘(lei),切斷(duan)守軍(jun)(jun)外援,以待機擊之。
七月(yue),呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)軍(jun)被(bei)(bei)圍數月(yue),外無救兵(bing),內(nei)無糧(liang)草。呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)被(bei)(bei)迫令(ling)部將(jiang)張(zhang)興率領7000人馬出城迎戰(zhan),張(zhang)興被(bei)(bei)傅顏(yan)斬殺。當夜(ye),呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)以黃(huang)甫(fu)真(zhen)(zhen)營陣為突圍口,率城中銳卒試圖(tu)突圍。皇甫(fu)真(zhen)(zhen)事先已(yi)做(zuo)好防備,慕容(rong)恪領兵(bing)從(cong)側(ce)翼出擊,呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)所(suo)部死傷慘重,呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)單(dan)騎逃往滎(ying)陽(yang)(今河南滎(ying)陽(yang)),燕(yan)軍(jun)攻克(ke)野王,結束野王之戰(zhan)。
永和六年(350年)前(qian)后,原段氏鮮卑首領段蘭之(zhi)子段龕乘著后趙內亂、冉魏新(xin)立之(zhi)機,統帥(shuai)部眾南遷(qian)陳(chen)留(今(jin)河南開封(feng))。七(qi)月,東(dong)遷(qian)廣(guang)固(gu)(今(jin)山(shan)東(dong)青州),自(zi)稱(cheng)(cheng)齊王,向東(dong)晉(jin)稱(cheng)(cheng)臣,受封(feng)為鎮(zhen)北將軍(jun)。
元璽四(si)年(355年),前燕攻(gong)滅石氏、冉魏(wei)的勢力,開(kai)拓(tuo)疆域,成為地跨幽、冀、并、平四(si)州(zhou)的政權,掙(zheng)脫(tuo)東晉,慕(mu)(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)自稱(cheng)為帝(di)。段(duan)龕以(yi)為與慕(mu)(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)同出(chu)鮮卑,致書(shu)慕(mu)(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)稱(cheng)帝(di)之非;加之段(duan)部所據廣固,勢力漸強,已威脅前燕的統(tong)治,慕(mu)(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)遂決(jue)意(yi)發兵(bing)攻(gong)廣固。十(shi)一月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)以(yi)慕(mu)(mu)容恪為大都(dou)督、撫軍(jun)將軍(jun),尚書(shu)令陽騖(wu)為副將,率軍(jun)進攻(gong)廣固。十(shi)二月(yue),燕軍(jun)至(zhi)黃河(he)北岸,慕(mu)(mu)容恪先(xian)以(yi)輕舟渡河(he),試探(tan)虛(xu)實(shi)。
元璽五(wu)年(356年)正月,慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)率軍(jun)渡過黃河,距(ju)廣(guang)(guang)(guang)固百(bai)余里。段(duan)龕(kan)(kan)率軍(jun)3萬人迎戰,慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)于(yu)淄水戰敗段(duan)龕(kan)(kan),數千名士卒投(tou)降燕軍(jun)。段(duan)龕(kan)(kan)逃回廣(guang)(guang)(guang)固,閉城(cheng)(cheng)固守。慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)率燕軍(jun)在(zai)廣(guang)(guang)(guang)固城(cheng)(cheng)外修高墻挖深塹圍困之。并招撫(fu)廣(guang)(guang)(guang)固四周諸(zhu)城(cheng)(cheng),段(duan)龕(kan)(kan)所署徐州刺史王騰等于(yu)二月投(tou)降慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)。
慕(mu)容恪圍廣(guang)固(gu)七個月(yue)后,段(duan)龕(kan)難以(yi)(yi)支(zhi)撐,遂(sui)(sui)派人(ren)(ren)向東(dong)晉求援。八月(yue),東(dong)晉派徐州(zhou)刺史(shi)荀羨(xian)(xian)(xian)前往解圍。荀羨(xian)(xian)(xian)行至瑯(lang)琊,畏懼(ju)燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)不進。恰逢(feng)王(wang)騰帶軍(jun)(jun)攻(gong)打(da)鄄城(cheng)(今山東(dong)鄄城(cheng)),荀羨(xian)(xian)(xian)遂(sui)(sui)進攻(gong)陽都(今山東(dong)沂南),斬王(wang)騰。不久,廣(guang)固(gu)城(cheng)內路人(ren)(ren)相食,無以(yi)(yi)為守(shou)(shou)。段(duan)龕(kan)悉眾出戰,被(bei)慕(mu)容恪在圍里擊敗,單(dan)騎逃回(hui)城(cheng)中(zhong)。十一月(yue),段(duan)龕(kan)計(ji)窮,只得出降。慕(mu)容恪安撫百(bai)姓,平定齊地,遷鮮卑、胡、羯三(san)千余戶至薊。留(liu)慕(mu)容塵鎮廣(guang)固(gu),以(yi)(yi)尚(shang)書(shu)左(zuo)丞鞠殷為東(dong)萊太(tai)守(shou)(shou),章武太(tai)守(shou)(shou)鮮于亮為齊郡太(tai)守(shou)(shou),率軍(jun)(jun)而還(huan)。
廣固城之戰后(hou),東(dong)晉泰(tai)山(shan)(shan)太(tai)守諸(zhu)(zhu)葛攸進(jin)攻東(dong)郡(今河南(nan)濮陽)。慕容恪領統陽騖、慕容臧率(lv)兵進(jin)擊,大敗晉軍,諸(zhu)(zhu)葛攸退回太(tai)山(shan)(shan)(今山(shan)(shan)東(dong)泰(tai)安(an))。慕容恪乘(cheng)勝(sheng)渡過黃(huang)河,占領河南(nan)部分(fen)土地,并設守宰。此后(hou),前燕轄境迅速延至黃(huang)河以南(nan),對東(dong)晉構成(cheng)了(le)威脅。
光壽三年(nian)(359年(nian)),慕容儁患病(bing),對慕容恪說(shuo):朕病(bing)得(de)這么(me)虛(xu)弱,恐怕是好不(bu)了。壽命(ming)長短,都(dou)沒有(you)什么(me)可怨恨的(de)(de)了!不(bu)過(guo),現在(zai)東(dong)晉和前秦未除,太子慕容暐(wei)年(nian)幼。朕擔心(xin)他應付(fu)不(bu)來,想效法宋宣(xuan)公,將皇位交給你。慕容恪堅決拒絕,更說(shuo):“陛(bi)下若果認為(wei)臣能夠(gou)承擔安定天下的(de)(de)重(zhong)責,難(nan)道(dao)就沒能好好輔助少主!”慕容儁聽后十(shi)分高興。
光壽四(si)年(nian)(360年(nian))正(zheng)月,慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)儁在鄴城大閱郡國之兵(bing),欲派(pai)大軍進攻秦(qin)、晉,但病情轉危,遂召慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)、慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)鶩、慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)評及慕輿根等受遺詔輔政(zheng),旋即病卒,時年(nian)四(si)十(shi)(shi)二(er)歲,葬于(yu)龍陵,謚號景昭(zhao)皇帝,廟號烈祖。皇太子慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐即位,年(nian)僅十(shi)(shi)一歲。二(er)月,尊(zun)皇后可足渾氏為皇太后,以慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)太宰、錄尚(shang)書事,行周公(gong)事,總攝朝政(zheng)。
不(bu)過,當(dang)時作為太師(shi)輔政(zheng)的慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根自恃戰(zhan)功顯赫,高傲自大,看不(bu)起慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根為挑(tiao)起事端以(yi)(yi)作亂,先以(yi)(yi)可足(zu)渾太后(hou)(hou)干政(zheng)來挑(tiao)撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪,謊稱支持(chi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪奪位。但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪不(bu)受。吳王慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容垂以(yi)(yi)及(ji)(ji)皇甫真及(ji)(ji)后(hou)(hou)都(dou)勸(quan)他(ta)誅(zhu)殺慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根,但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪以(yi)(yi)皇帝新死,國家安(an)穩為首要,決定忍耐。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根挑(tiao)撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪不(bu)成,于是試(shi)圖離間慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容暐母(mu)子,想要太后(hou)(hou)誅(zhu)殺慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪等(deng)。新帝慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容暐支持(chi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪,勸(quan)止(zhi)了母(mu)親。與(yu)此同時,前燕已經在滅冉魏后(hou)(hou)遷都(dou)鄴城,以(yi)(yi)舊都(dou)龍城(今遼寧朝(chao)陽市)為留(liu)京。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根思戀遼東祖地(di),力勸(quan)太后(hou)(hou)和慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容暐建議還(huan)都(dou)龍城,變相(xiang)放棄(qi)中(zhong)原(yuan)地(di)區。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪知道后(hou)(hou),聯(lian)合慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容評密奏(zou)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根罪狀,派衛將軍(jun)傅顏(yan)誅(zhu)殺了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根及(ji)(ji)其黨羽。
面對皇(huang)帝新死,就發(fa)生誅殺輔政(zheng)重(zhong)臣的(de)事件,國(guo)內(nei)(nei)憂慮(lv)情緒很高。慕容(rong)恪舉止如常,出入都(dou)只有一人(ren)跟(gen)從,不肯加添守衛。然(ran)后大赦天(tian)下,并停發(fa)慕容(rong)儁生前所集各(ge)路(lu)(lu)兵員,受任理政(zheng),兢兢嚴謹,與司徒慕容(rong)評共同(tong)協作,虛心(xin)待士,諮諏(zou)善道,量才授任,燕(yan)政(zheng)為(wei)之一新。于(yu)是,境內(nei)(nei)局(ju)勢漸穩,人(ren)心(xin)稍為(wei)安定。同(tong)時,原先征集在(zai)鄴城(cheng)的(de)各(ge)郡軍人(ren)都(dou)因為(wei)國(guo)家(jia)內(nei)(nei)部紛亂而經常逃(tao)跑,而鄴城(cheng)向南方(fang)領地的(de)道路(lu)(lu)通訊(xun)不暢通。慕容(rong)恪命令慕容(rong)垂(chui)南鎮蠡臺(今河南商丘),傅顏率軍南巡淮河,終令國(guo)家(jia)安穩下來。
建熙六年(365年)二(er)月,慕(mu)容恪(ke)與吳王慕(mu)容垂共攻洛陽。三月,克之(zhi),俘虜揚武將(jiang)軍(jun)沈勁。慕(mu)容恪(ke)惜之(zhi)為(wei)奇(qi)士(shi)欲赦免,慕(mu)容虔(qian)上(shang)書說:沈勁雖為(wei)奇(qi)士(shi),卻終不可為(wei)己所用,留之(zhi)必患。遂斬殺沈勁。
慕(mu)容恪(ke)奪取洛陽后,隨即略地至崤山、澠池,關中大(da)震,前秦天王苻堅親自到陜城(cheng)進行(xing)防備。不久,慕(mu)容恪(ke)率軍撤回鄴(ye)城(cheng)。
當時(shi)吳王慕容(rong)垂才能出眾,慕容(rong)恪對其(qi)非常倚重(zhong),曾多次向燕主進(jin)行推薦。
建(jian)熙七年(366年),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)病重,深慮慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)手中無實權,而慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)評(ping)又(you)多猜忌,便對慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)之兄、樂(le)安(an)王慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)臧舉薦吳王慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂,但是慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)臧沒有聽(ting)從(cong)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)的(de)話。
慕容(rong)暐親臨慕容(rong)恪(ke)府向(xiang)他詢問后(hou)事(shi),慕容(rong)恪(ke)再次向(xiang)慕容(rong)暐推(tui)薦慕容(rong)垂,說:“我聽(ting)聞,傅說舉薦士人(ren)(ren)。板筑(zhu)之人(ren)(ren)都可(ke)以,更(geng)何況(kuang)是國家(jia)的懿籓!吳王兼(jian)具(ju)文武之才(cai),才(cai)能僅次于管仲、蕭(xiao)何。陛下如(ru)果把政務交給他,國家(jia)就能獲得(de)安定。不然,我怕二寇(kou)肯定會有窺窬之計。”慕容(rong)恪(ke)言終而卒。死后(hou),贈本官(guan),謚號為桓。
慕容(rong)恪一(yi)生(sheng),戰昌黎、密云,破(po)高(gao)句麗、宇(yu)文部(bu),攻(gong)石趙(zhao)殘余(yu),滅冉魏、段齊,討呂(lv)護平野王,擊東晉(jin)下(xia)洛陽,戰功(gong)赫(he)赫(he),構筑了前(qian)燕(yan)的最大版圖(tu)。同時,慕容(rong)儁死后,官拜太宰(zai),輔佐幼主慕容(rong)暐,以謙恭寬(kuan)和(he)的姿(zi)態穩定(ding)國(guo)政,使得國(guo)內相(xiang)對穩定(ding)。
慕容皝:“恪智勇俱(ju)濟,汝其委之。”
王(wang)猛:“慕(mu)容玄恭,信奇(qi)士也,可謂古之(zhi)遺愛矣(yi)!”
崔浩:“王猛(meng)之經國,苻堅之管仲也;慕容恪(ke)之輔少主,慕容暐之霍光也。”
張預(yu):“沉(chen)深有大度(du)。......容貌(mao)魁杰,雄毅嚴(yan)重,每(mei)所言(yan)及,輒(zhe)經綸(lun)世務,.......數從皝征伐,臨機多奇策。......雖執權政事,必諮之(zhi)于評(ping)。罷朝歸第,則盡心色養,手(shou)不(bu)釋卷。.......恪為將不(bu)尚(shang)威嚴(yan),專以恩信(xin)御物,務于大略,不(bu)以小令(ling)勞眾。軍士(shi)有犯法,密縱舍之(zhi),捕斬賊首以令(ling)軍。營內不(bu)整似可(ke)犯,而(er)防(fang)御甚(shen)嚴(yan),終無喪敗。........恪之(zhi)為將,專以恩信(xin)而(er)不(bu)尚(shang)威嚴(yan)是也。”
張預: “孫(sun)子(zi)曰(yue):‘輔周則國必強。’恪在中原,桓(huan)溫以謂所憂方大。又曰(yue):‘卒未親附而罰之,則不服(fu)。’恪之為(wei)將,專以恩信(xin)而不尚威嚴是(shi)也。”
陳普:“霜(shuang)雹風沙雜亂飛,段龕(kan)地下見春歸。時(shi)來(lai)但(dan)處周公位,歷(li)舉華人百世希。”“當(dang)時(shi)人才(cai)南(nan)有謝安,北有慕容恪,西(xi)有王猛。較其(qi)分數,玄恭其(qi)賢(xian)矣,安石(shi)善處轇轕之(zhi)際,富貴(gui)之(zhi)心薄(bo)而家世清虛,無能遠猷。王景略干將吳鉤薄(bo)于德矣。玄恭才(cai)優而心正,獨不(bu)能力主。李績終殺,沈勁為(wei)可恨。而其(qi)討段龕(kan),城下數語,天地鬼神實聞之(zhi)事。”
張大齡(ling):“慕容氏自龍驤以(yi)(yi)來(lai),世豪東夏,其(qi)(qi)子孫俱英朗雄杰,發在童孺,天之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)所興,其(qi)(qi)誰廢之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!太(tai)原德業(ye)邁(mai)於(wu)狐趙,吳(wu)王(wang)才(cai)器不(bu)(bu)下(xia)管蕭。昔舜生諸(zhu)馮,東夷之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)可以(yi)(yi)其(qi)(qi)鮮卑而(er)(er)少之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)?償恪(ke)而(er)(er)不(bu)(bu)死,更得明主(zhu)事之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),與吳(wu)王(wang)垂左提(ti)右挈,驅駕才(cai)俊(jun),混(hun)一之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)業(ye),指顧而(er)(er)定矣!乃吳(wu)王(wang)力足(zu)(zu)以(yi)(yi)討評,而(er)(er)不(bu)(bu)為首亂;時(shi)足(zu)(zu)以(yi)(yi)取堅(jian),而(er)(er)還(huan)其(qi)(qi)舊兵(bing);威足(zu)(zu)以(yi)(yi)困丕,而(er)(er)開(kai)以(yi)(yi)生路,尤人(ren)所難者。至於(wu)八十之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)齡(ling),取西燕如拾芥,挫(cuo)魏兵(bing)如發蒙,真(zhen)太(tai)原所謂命(ming)世之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)才(cai)也。后來(lai)亡國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)主(zhu),猶自翹然(ran),身在鼎俎,神色不(bu)(bu)變。蓋(gai)先世大有(you)(you)功德,故子孫蹶(jue)而(er)(er)復(fu)奮,不(bu)(bu)若諸(zhu)胡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)一敗涂地。予於(wu)和龍之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,獨有(you)(you)取爾(er)者以(yi)(yi)此(ci)。太(tai)尉裕平燕之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)日,欲坑廣固,得韓范諫而(er)(er)止。嗚呼!燕何(he)罪(zui)哉!前燕開(kai)基,取之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)劉(liu)石。后燕恢復(fu),奪之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)苻秦。燕何(he)罪(zui)哉!而(er)(er)戮之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)若斯(si)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)慘(can)也。太(tai)尉此(ci)舉(ju),不(bu)(bu)惟遠愧三代吊伐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)師,且近有(you)(you)怍於(wu)玄恭景略矣。惜哉!”
《廣名將傳》:“前燕慕容恪(ke)(ke),深沉有略(lve)。皝(huang)授以兵,從(cong)征(zheng)參酌(zhuo)。使鎮遼東(dong),寇不敢作。嗣雋親之,立功不薄。俊死暐(wei)孤,復(fu)以后托。有謀中原(yuan),桓曰(yue)大錯。慕容恪(ke)(ke)存,憂方如昨。慕輿根(gen)誅(zhu),內外錯愕(e)。恪(ke)(ke)獨(du)安之,使人把(ba)捉。罷(ba)朝而歸,養(yang)親為(wei)樂。臨死薦(jian)賢,報恩急著。忠孝若斯,才應兼學。”
王夫之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):“五胡旋起旋滅(mie),而(er)(er)中(zhong)(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死于兵(bing)刃者(zhe)不可殫計。殫中(zhong)(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)民于兵(bing)刃,而(er)(er)其旋起者(zhe)亦必旋滅(mie)。其能有(you)人之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)而(er)(er)因以自全者(zhe),唯慕容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)乎!故中(zhong)(zhong)國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,一姓不再興,而(er)(er)慕容(rong)氏(shi)既滅(mie)而(er)(er)復(fu)起。恪(ke)(ke)圍段龕于廣固,諸(zhu)將(jiang)請亟攻(gong)(gong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),恪(ke)(ke)曰:“龕兵(bing)尚眾,未有(you)離心(xin),盡銳(rui)攻(gong)(gong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),殺吾士卒(zu)必多矣,自有(you)事中(zhong)(zhong)原(yuan),兵(bing)不暫息,吾每念之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),夜而(er)(er)忘寐,要在取之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),不必求功之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)速(su)。”嗚(wu)呼!惻悱之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)言,自其中(zhong)(zhong)發,功成(cheng)而(er)(er)人免于死,恪(ke)(ke)可不謂(wei)夷中(zhong)(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)錚錚者(zhe)乎!”
李鴻章:“為國者,但問自(zi)治(zhi),而不依他人之(zhi)禍福。晉(jin)人喜(xi)慕容(rong)儁之(zhi)沒,豈知(zhi)慕容(rong)恪之(zhi)更勝。今日急務,莫先儲才。培植人才必以學堂為根本。”
宋(song)丹凝:“雖(sui)然慕(mu)容恪(ke)為一代名將,但其(qi)政治(zhi)(zhi)功績也非常大。在慕(mu)容儁死后,慕(mu)容恪(ke)甘為周公,輔佐幼主慕(mu)容暐;官至太宰,虛(xu)懷待物,知人善任;整頓吏治(zhi)(zhi),嚴明賞(shang)罰,謙虛(xu)謹慎,從不專斷(duan);誅殺(sha)叛臣(chen)慕(mu)輿根,穩定(ding)朝政。前燕政局的穩定(ding),多半是慕(mu)容恪(ke)的功勞。”
梁軍(jun):“慕(mu)容(rong)恪的(de)一(yi)生,也是前燕(yan)由弱變強(qiang)的(de)一(yi)段時(shi)間。他(ta)歷(li)事三主(zhu),在(zai)慕(mu)容(rong)皝與慕(mu)容(rong)儁在(zai)位時(shi),率軍(jun)南征(zheng)北戰,開疆拓土,輔佐幼主(zhu)慕(mu)容(rong)暐七年間,前燕(yan)政治空前穩定,所以他(ta)在(zai)燕(yan)國所占的(de)重要地位是不言而喻(yu)的(de)。慕(mu)容(rong)儁死后,東晉認為有機可乘,桓(huan)溫則說:‘慕(mu)容(rong)恪尚存,所憂方為大耳。’在(zai)其死后,前秦(qin)、東晉先后攻打前燕(yan),前燕(yan)也迅速滅(mie)亡(wang),這從另一(yi)方面也反映出慕(mu)容(rong)恪對于前燕(yan)的(de)重要性。”
萬繩(sheng)楠:“慕(mu)容恪以(yi)其驚(jing)人(ren)的戰績,被后世(shi)譽為‘十六國第一名將’。”