后(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)建武(wu)四年(338年)五(wu)月,后(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)皇(huang)帝石(shi)(shi)虎(hu)以燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)違約(yue)獨攻段部鮮卑,得(de)勝。又以劫掠而歸為由,發兵數十萬(wan)北伐(fa),圍困(kun)大棘城(今遼寧義縣)。燕(yan)趙(zhao)兩軍(jun)(jun)相持十余日,趙(zhao)軍(jun)(jun)不能克,遂后(hou)(hou)退(tui)。慕(mu)容皝派慕(mu)容恪率2000騎兵于(yu)清晨出城追(zhui)殺。石(shi)(shi)虎(hu)見城內(nei)師出,大驚,棄甲潰(kui)逃。慕(mu)容恪乘勝追(zhui)擊,大敗后(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)軍(jun)(jun),斬獲(huo)三萬(wan)余級。
后趙(zhao)建武四年(nian)(338年(nian))十二(er)月,段(duan)部鮮卑首領(ling)段(duan)遼遣(qian)使向后趙(zhao)請(qing)降,中途(tu)反悔,又遣(qian)使請(qing)降于前(qian)燕,并與前(qian)燕合(he)謀設伏,欲(yu)消滅(mie)趙(zhao)軍。時后趙(zhao)皇帝石虎已派(pai)征東將軍麻秋、司馬陽(yang)裕(yu)(yu)等率(lv)兵3萬前(qian)去(qu)受降。前(qian)燕王慕容(rong)(rong)皝(huang)自統(tong)大軍前(qian)往迎(ying)段(duan)遼,派(pai)慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)帶精騎(qi)7000埋伏于密云山。慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)大敗麻秋于三藏口(今河北承德),趙(zhao)軍死亡大半(ban),麻秋步(bu)行逃脫,司馬陽(yang)裕(yu)(yu)被俘(fu)。
咸(xian)康七(qi)年(341)年十月(yue),燕(yan)王慕容(rong)皝以慕容(rong)恪(ke)為渡(du)遼(liao)將(jiang)軍,鎮(zhen)守平郭。前燕(yan)自(zi)從(cong)慕容(rong)翰逃(tao)亡,慕容(rong)仁被殺后(hou),無人能鎮(zhen)守遼(liao)東。慕容(rong)恪(ke)行(xing)至平郭,撫舊懷新,屢(lv)破高(gao)句(ju)(ju)麗(li)兵,高(gao)句(ju)(ju)麗(li)畏之,不(bu)敢再(zai)入燕(yan)境。
建(jian)(jian)元二(er)年(nian)(344年(nian))二(er)月,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)皝親自帶兵攻(gong)宇(yu)文逸豆歸,以建(jian)(jian)威將(jiang)軍慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)翰(han)(于(yu)咸康(kang)六年(nian)回到燕國(guo))為前鋒將(jiang)軍,劉佩(pei)為副將(jiang);命慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪與慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)軍、慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)霸及折沖將(jiang)軍慕(mu)(mu)輿根等率兵分三(san)路并(bing)進。最終(zhong)大破宇(yu)文軍,燕軍乘(cheng)勝追擊,攻(gong)克宇(yu)文氏都城紫蒙川(今遼寧朝(chao)陽西北)。宇(yu)文逸豆歸敗逃,死于(yu)漠北,宇(yu)文氏從(cong)此散亡。
永和元年(345年)十月,慕(mu)容(rong)皝令慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)攻打高句麗。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)攻拔南(nan)蘇(今遼寧(ning)撫順市(shi)東蘇子河與渾河合(he)流處),派兵留守。永和二年(346年)正月,慕(mu)容(rong)皝派慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)與世子慕(mu)容(rong)儁、慕(mu)容(rong)軍(jun)(jun)、慕(mu)輿根及1.7萬騎兵襲擊扶(fu)余國。慕(mu)容(rong)儁坐鎮中軍(jun)(jun)指揮,而(er)慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)則(ze)統帥諸軍(jun)(jun)冒矢石進擊,攻克扶(fu)余,俘扶(fu)余國王(wang)玄及部落5萬余口而(er)還。
永和六年(350年),后(hou)趙(zhao)大將軍冉閔占據鄴城(cheng),滅亡后(hou)趙(zhao)。自立為帝,國號大魏,史稱冉魏。
永和(he)七年(nian)(351年(nian))八(ba)月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁遣慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪攻(gong)破中山(shan)(今河北(bei)定(ding)州(zhou)(zhou))。隨(sui)著慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪攻(gong)占(zhan)(zhan)中山(shan)后,冉閔攻(gong)取(qu)了襄(xiang)國(今河北(bei)邢臺),欲圖(tu)幽(you)州(zhou)(zhou)。前燕占(zhan)(zhan)領幽(you)州(zhou)(zhou)后,也(ye)想繼續南進,圖(tu)據(ju)中原,一場(chang)大戰(zhan)不可避(bi)免(mian)。
永和八年(nian)(352年(nian))四月,冉(ran)閔(min)(min)將與前燕(yan)開(kai)戰(zhan)。大將軍(jun)(jun)董閏、車(che)騎(qi)(qi)將軍(jun)(jun)張溫苦(ku)諫(jian)冉(ran)閔(min)(min),不可(ke)同前燕(yan)開(kai)戰(zhan)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)不納(na),移軍(jun)(jun)于(yu)安喜(今河北定州)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)隨(sui)即(ji)引兵而(er)至(zhi)。魏燕(yan)兩軍(jun)(jun)交(jiao)戰(zhan)十(shi)次(ci),燕(yan)兵皆敗。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)素有(you)勇名,所部(bu)(bu)將士精銳,燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)畏懼。慕容(rong)恪(ke)陣前激勵將士,指出(chu)冉(ran)閔(min)(min)有(you)勇無謀,其(qi)軍(jun)(jun)饑(ji)疲難用,定可(ke)擊(ji)破。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)所部(bu)(bu)多步卒(zu),欲引燕(yan)騎(qi)(qi)兵至(zhi)叢林作戰(zhan)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)采納(na)參軍(jun)(jun)高開(kai)之策(ce),急派輕(qing)騎(qi)(qi)截擊(ji)之,然(ran)后佯敗誘敵至(zhi)平地,并將燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)切分為三部(bu)(bu)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)自率中軍(jun)(jun),選善(shan)射者五千人(ren),以(yi)鐵(tie)(tie)鎖連戰(zhan)馬結(jie)方(fang)陣而(er)前,另兩部(bu)(bu)各(ge)置一側配(pei)合(he)主力進擊(ji)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)恃勇輕(qing)敵,果然(ran)中計,直突燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)中部(bu)(bu)鐵(tie)(tie)馬方(fang)陣。燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)側翼部(bu)(bu)隊即(ji)從(cong)兩面(mian)夾擊(ji),大敗冉(ran)閔(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun)隊,斬七千余人(ren)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)突圍(wei)東走二(er)十(shi)余里,坐(zuo)騎(qi)(qi)忽死(si),被燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)所俘,冉(ran)魏滅亡(wang)。
元(yuan)璽元(yuan)年(nian)(352年(nian)),冉閔被(bei)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)軍俘虜(lu)后,其子冉操(cao)投奔鎮守魯口(今(jin)(jin)河北饒(rao)陽)的(de)大將(jiang)(jiang)王午(wu)(wu)(wu)。七月(yue),王午(wu)(wu)(wu)自稱(cheng)安國(guo)王,對抗前(qian)燕。八(ba)月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)遣慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)、太尉封奕、尚書令陽騖攻(gong)打(da)魯口。王午(wu)(wu)(wu)憑借城(cheng)(cheng)池(chi)之險進行抵(di)抗,并把(ba)冉操(cao)送(song)于(yu)燕軍。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)料(liao)魯口城(cheng)(cheng)池(chi)堅固,暫難(nan)攻(gong)克,遂(sui)將(jiang)(jiang)城(cheng)(cheng)外的(de)莊(zhuang)稼(jia)盡數(shu)收割,撤回(hui)中山(shan)(今(jin)(jin)河北定州市)。十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)屯安平(ping),積糧,修(xiu)筑攻(gong)城(cheng)(cheng)器具,準備攻(gong)討王午(wu)(wu)(wu)。時中山(shan)蘇(su)林(lin)(lin)起兵于(yu)無極,自稱(cheng)天子,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)率軍先攻(gong)討蘇(su)林(lin)(lin)。十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)派廣威(wei)將(jiang)(jiang)軍慕(mu)(mu)輿根幫助慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke),斬(zhan)蘇(su)林(lin)(lin)。不久,王午(wu)(wu)(wu)為其將(jiang)(jiang)秦興殺死,呂護又殺秦興,繼承安國(guo)王。
元璽三(san)年(354年)二(er)月(yue),慕(mu)容恪再(zai)次發(fa)兵圍魯口,次月(yue)克(ke)之。呂護逃(tao)往(wang)野(ye)王(wang)(今河南沁陽)。四(si)月(yue),慕(mu)容儁以慕(mu)容恪為(wei)大司馬、侍中、大都督、錄尚書事,封太(tai)原王(wang)。
建熙二(er)年(nian)(361年(nian))二(er)月,寧南將軍(jun)呂護(hu),鎮守野(ye)王(今河南沁陽),暗中(zhong)投靠東晉(jin)(jin),東晉(jin)(jin)以(yi)呂護(hu)為前將軍(jun)、冀州(zhou)刺史。呂護(hu)欲引東晉(jin)(jin)軍(jun)偷(tou)襲燕都鄴城(今河北(bei)臨(lin)漳),未(wei)及行動,事情敗露。
三月(yue),燕(yan)王(wang)(wang)遣慕容恪(ke)(ke)統軍(jun)(jun)前往野(ye)王(wang)(wang)平叛。慕容恪(ke)(ke)率軍(jun)(jun)5萬,冠(guan)軍(jun)(jun)將軍(jun)(jun)皇甫真領兵1萬,進至野(ye)王(wang)(wang)城(cheng)外(wai),呂護閉城(cheng)固守。慕容恪(ke)(ke)遂(sui)于(yu)野(ye)王(wang)(wang)城(cheng)外(wai)修筑深溝高壘,切斷守軍(jun)(jun)外(wai)援,以(yi)待機擊之。
七月,呂護(hu)(hu)軍(jun)被(bei)圍數月,外(wai)無救兵,內無糧草。呂護(hu)(hu)被(bei)迫(po)令部將張(zhang)興率領7000人(ren)馬出城迎(ying)戰,張(zhang)興被(bei)傅顏斬(zhan)殺(sha)。當夜,呂護(hu)(hu)以黃甫真營陣為突圍口,率城中銳卒試圖(tu)突圍。皇甫真事先已做好防備(bei),慕(mu)容恪領兵從側翼出擊,呂護(hu)(hu)所(suo)部死傷慘重,呂護(hu)(hu)單騎逃往滎(ying)陽(今河南滎(ying)陽),燕軍(jun)攻克野王(wang),結束(shu)野王(wang)之戰。
永(yong)和六年(nian)(350年(nian))前后(hou),原段(duan)(duan)氏鮮卑首(shou)領(ling)段(duan)(duan)蘭之(zhi)子段(duan)(duan)龕乘著后(hou)趙內亂、冉(ran)魏新立之(zhi)機(ji),統帥(shuai)部眾南遷陳留(今(jin)河南開封)。七月,東遷廣固(今(jin)山(shan)東青州),自(zi)稱(cheng)齊王,向東晉(jin)稱(cheng)臣,受封為(wei)鎮(zhen)北將軍。
元璽(xi)四(si)(si)年(nian)(355年(nian)),前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)攻(gong)滅石氏、冉魏的(de)勢(shi)力,開拓疆域,成(cheng)為(wei)(wei)地跨幽、冀、并、平四(si)(si)州的(de)政權,掙脫(tuo)東(dong)晉,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁自稱為(wei)(wei)帝。段龕以為(wei)(wei)與慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁同出鮮卑,致書慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁稱帝之(zhi)非;加之(zhi)段部所據(ju)廣固(gu),勢(shi)力漸強,已威脅前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)的(de)統治,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁遂(sui)決意發兵(bing)攻(gong)廣固(gu)。十一月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁以慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪為(wei)(wei)大都督、撫軍(jun)將軍(jun),尚書令陽騖為(wei)(wei)副將,率軍(jun)進攻(gong)廣固(gu)。十二(er)月(yue),燕(yan)(yan)軍(jun)至黃河(he)北岸,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪先(xian)以輕舟渡河(he),試探虛(xu)實。
元璽五年(356年)正月,慕(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)率軍(jun)渡過黃河,距廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)百余里。段龕(kan)率軍(jun)3萬(wan)人迎(ying)戰(zhan),慕(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)于淄水戰(zhan)敗段龕(kan),數千名士卒投降(jiang)燕軍(jun)。段龕(kan)逃(tao)回廣(guang)(guang)固(gu),閉城固(gu)守。慕(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)率燕軍(jun)在廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)城外修高(gao)墻挖深塹(qian)圍困之。并(bing)招撫廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)四周諸(zhu)城,段龕(kan)所(suo)署徐(xu)州刺史(shi)王騰(teng)等于二月投降(jiang)慕(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)。
慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪圍(wei)廣固七個月(yue)后,段龕難以(yi)支撐,遂派人(ren)(ren)向(xiang)東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)求援。八月(yue),東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)派徐州刺史荀羨前往解(jie)圍(wei)。荀羨行至瑯琊,畏懼燕軍不(bu)進。恰逢王騰帶軍攻(gong)打鄄城(今山東(dong)(dong)鄄城),荀羨遂進攻(gong)陽都(dou)(今山東(dong)(dong)沂(yi)南(nan)),斬王騰。不(bu)久(jiu),廣固城內路人(ren)(ren)相食,無以(yi)為守(shou)。段龕悉(xi)眾(zhong)出(chu)(chu)戰,被慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪在圍(wei)里擊(ji)敗,單騎逃回城中。十(shi)一月(yue),段龕計窮,只得出(chu)(chu)降。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪安撫(fu)百姓,平定(ding)齊(qi)地,遷鮮(xian)卑、胡、羯(jie)三千余戶至薊(ji)。留慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)塵鎮廣固,以(yi)尚書(shu)左丞鞠殷為東(dong)(dong)萊太守(shou),章武太守(shou)鮮(xian)于亮為齊(qi)郡太守(shou),率軍而(er)還。
廣(guang)固城(cheng)之戰后,東晉(jin)(jin)泰山太守諸(zhu)葛(ge)攸進(jin)攻東郡(今河(he)南濮(pu)陽(yang))。慕容(rong)恪領統陽(yang)騖、慕容(rong)臧率兵(bing)進(jin)擊,大敗晉(jin)(jin)軍,諸(zhu)葛(ge)攸退回(hui)太山(今山東泰安)。慕容(rong)恪乘勝(sheng)渡過黃(huang)河(he),占領河(he)南部分土地,并(bing)設守宰。此后,前燕轄(xia)境(jing)迅速延至黃(huang)河(he)以南,對東晉(jin)(jin)構成了威脅。
光壽三年(359年),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁患病,對慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪說:朕(zhen)病得這(zhe)么虛弱,恐怕是好(hao)(hao)不(bu)了。壽命長(chang)短,都沒有(you)什么可(ke)怨恨的(de)了!不(bu)過,現在(zai)東晉(jin)和前秦未除,太子慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐年幼。朕(zhen)擔心他應付不(bu)來,想效法宋宣公,將皇位交給(gei)你。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪堅決(jue)拒絕(jue),更說:“陛下若果認為臣能夠承(cheng)擔安定天下的(de)重責,難道(dao)就沒能好(hao)(hao)好(hao)(hao)輔助少主!”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁聽(ting)后十分高(gao)興。
光壽四年(360年)正月,慕(mu)容儁在鄴城大閱郡國之(zhi)兵,欲(yu)派(pai)大軍進(jin)攻秦(qin)、晉(jin),但(dan)病情轉危,遂(sui)召(zhao)慕(mu)容恪、慕(mu)容鶩、慕(mu)容評及慕(mu)輿根等受遺詔輔政(zheng),旋即病卒,時年四十二歲,葬于龍陵,謚號景(jing)昭皇帝,廟號烈祖。皇太子慕(mu)容暐即位,年僅十一歲。二月,尊皇后(hou)(hou)可足渾氏為(wei)皇太后(hou)(hou),以慕(mu)容恪太宰、錄尚書事,行周公(gong)事,總攝朝政(zheng)。
不過,當時作為(wei)太師輔政的慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)自(zi)恃戰功顯赫(he),高(gao)傲自(zi)大,看(kan)不起慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)為(wei)挑起事端(duan)以(yi)作亂,先以(yi)可足渾太后(hou)(hou)干政來挑撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke),謊(huang)稱(cheng)支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)奪位。但(dan)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)不受。吳王慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂以(yi)及(ji)皇(huang)甫(fu)真及(ji)后(hou)(hou)都勸(quan)他(ta)誅殺(sha)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen),但(dan)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)以(yi)皇(huang)帝新死,國家安穩為(wei)首要,決定忍耐。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)挑撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)不成,于是試圖離(li)間慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)母子,想(xiang)要太后(hou)(hou)誅殺(sha)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)等(deng)。新帝慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke),勸(quan)止(zhi)了母親。與(yu)此同(tong)時,前燕已經在滅冉魏(wei)后(hou)(hou)遷都鄴城,以(yi)舊都龍(long)城(今遼寧朝陽市(shi))為(wei)留京(jing)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)思戀(lian)遼東祖地,力勸(quan)太后(hou)(hou)和(he)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)建議(yi)還都龍(long)城,變(bian)相(xiang)放棄中原(yuan)地區。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)知道后(hou)(hou),聯合慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)評密(mi)奏慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)罪狀,派(pai)衛將軍傅(fu)顏誅殺(sha)了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)及(ji)其黨(dang)羽(yu)。
面對皇帝新死(si),就發生(sheng)誅殺輔政重臣(chen)的(de)(de)事件,國(guo)內(nei)憂慮情緒(xu)很高。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪舉止如常,出入都只有(you)一人(ren)跟從(cong),不(bu)肯加添守衛。然(ran)后大赦天下,并(bing)停發慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁生(sheng)前所集各路兵員,受任理政,兢兢嚴謹,與司(si)徒慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)評共同協作(zuo),虛(xu)心(xin)待士(shi),諮諏善道(dao),量才授任,燕(yan)政為之一新。于(yu)是,境內(nei)局(ju)勢漸穩,人(ren)心(xin)稍為安定。同時,原先征集在(zai)鄴城的(de)(de)各郡軍(jun)人(ren)都因為國(guo)家(jia)內(nei)部紛亂而(er)經常逃跑,而(er)鄴城向南(nan)方領地的(de)(de)道(dao)路通訊不(bu)暢通。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪命(ming)令慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂南(nan)鎮(zhen)蠡臺(今河南(nan)商丘),傅(fu)顏率軍(jun)南(nan)巡淮河,終(zhong)令國(guo)家(jia)安穩下來。
建熙六年(nian)(365年(nian))二(er)月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)與吳王慕(mu)(mu)容垂共攻洛陽。三月(yue),克之(zhi)(zhi),俘虜揚武將軍(jun)沈勁(jing)。慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)惜之(zhi)(zhi)為奇(qi)士(shi)欲赦(she)免,慕(mu)(mu)容虔上書說:沈勁(jing)雖(sui)為奇(qi)士(shi),卻終不可為己所用,留之(zhi)(zhi)必患。遂斬殺沈勁(jing)。
慕容(rong)恪奪(duo)取洛(luo)陽后(hou),隨即略地(di)至(zhi)崤山、澠(min)池,關中大震,前秦天王苻堅親自到陜城(cheng)進行防備。不久,慕容(rong)恪率軍撤回鄴(ye)城(cheng)。
當時吳王慕容(rong)垂才(cai)能出眾,慕容(rong)恪對(dui)其(qi)非(fei)常倚(yi)重,曾多次向燕(yan)主(zhu)進行(xing)推薦。
建熙七年(366年),慕容恪病重(zhong),深慮慕容暐手(shou)中無實(shi)權(quan),而慕容評又多猜忌,便對慕容暐之兄(xiong)、樂安王(wang)慕容臧(zang)舉薦吳王(wang)慕容垂,但是(shi)慕容臧(zang)沒有聽從慕容恪的話。
慕容暐(wei)親臨(lin)慕容恪府向他詢問(wen)后事,慕容恪再次向慕容暐(wei)推薦(jian)慕容垂,說:“我聽聞,傅說舉薦(jian)士(shi)人。板筑之(zhi)人都可以,更何況是國(guo)家(jia)的懿籓!吳王兼具文(wen)武之(zhi)才(cai),才(cai)能(neng)僅次于管(guan)仲、蕭何。陛下如果把政務交給他,國(guo)家(jia)就能(neng)獲得安定(ding)。不然,我怕二寇肯定(ding)會有窺窬之(zhi)計。”慕容恪言終而卒。死后,贈本官,謚號為(wei)桓。
慕容恪一生,戰(zhan)昌(chang)黎、密(mi)云,破高(gao)句(ju)麗、宇文部,攻石趙殘余(yu),滅(mie)冉魏(wei)、段齊,討呂(lv)護平野王,擊東晉下(xia)洛陽,戰(zhan)功赫赫,構(gou)筑了前燕的最大(da)版圖(tu)。同時,慕容儁死后,官拜太宰,輔(fu)佐幼主慕容暐,以謙恭寬和的姿(zi)態穩(wen)定國政,使得(de)國內相(xiang)對穩(wen)定。
慕容皝:“恪(ke)智勇俱濟,汝其委之。”
王猛:“慕容玄恭,信奇(qi)士也(ye),可謂(wei)古之(zhi)遺愛矣!”
崔(cui)浩:“王猛之(zhi)經國,苻堅之(zhi)管(guan)仲也;慕容恪之(zhi)輔少主,慕容暐之(zhi)霍光(guang)也。”
張預:“沉深有大(da)度(du)。......容貌魁杰,雄毅嚴重,每所言及,輒經綸(lun)世務,.......數從(cong)皝(huang)征伐,臨機多奇策。......雖執權政(zheng)事,必諮之(zhi)于評。罷朝歸第(di),則盡心(xin)色養,手不釋(shi)卷(juan)。.......恪為將(jiang)不尚威(wei)(wei)嚴,專以(yi)(yi)恩(en)(en)信御物(wu),務于大(da)略,不以(yi)(yi)小令勞(lao)眾。軍士有犯法,密縱舍之(zhi),捕斬賊首以(yi)(yi)令軍。營(ying)內不整似可犯,而防御甚嚴,終無喪敗(bai)。........恪之(zhi)為將(jiang),專以(yi)(yi)恩(en)(en)信而不尚威(wei)(wei)嚴是也。”
張預: “孫子(zi)曰:‘輔周則國必強。’恪在(zai)中原,桓溫以謂(wei)所(suo)憂方(fang)大。又曰:‘卒未親附而罰之,則不服。’恪之為將,專以恩信而不尚威(wei)嚴是也(ye)。”
陳普:“霜雹風沙雜亂(luan)飛,段(duan)龕地下見春(chun)歸。時來(lai)但處周公位,歷舉華人百世(shi)希(xi)。”“當(dang)時人才南有(you)謝安,北有(you)慕容恪,西有(you)王猛。較(jiao)其(qi)(qi)分(fen)數(shu),玄(xuan)恭其(qi)(qi)賢矣(yi),安石善處轇轕之(zhi)際,富貴之(zhi)心(xin)薄(bo)而(er)家世(shi)清虛,無能(neng)遠猷。王景(jing)略干將吳鉤薄(bo)于(yu)德矣(yi)。玄(xuan)恭才優而(er)心(xin)正,獨不(bu)能(neng)力主。李績終殺,沈勁為可恨。而(er)其(qi)(qi)討段(duan)龕,城下數(shu)語,天地鬼(gui)神實聞之(zhi)事(shi)。”
張(zhang)大齡:“慕容氏自龍(long)驤以(yi)(yi)(yi)來,世(shi)豪東夏,其(qi)(qi)子孫俱英朗雄杰(jie),發(fa)在(zai)童孺,天之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)所興,其(qi)(qi)誰廢之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!太原德(de)業(ye)邁於(wu)狐趙,吳(wu)王才器(qi)不下管蕭(xiao)。昔舜生諸馮(feng),東夷(yi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人可以(yi)(yi)(yi)其(qi)(qi)鮮卑而(er)(er)(er)少之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)?償恪而(er)(er)(er)不死(si),更得明主(zhu)事(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),與吳(wu)王垂左提右(you)挈(qie),驅(qu)駕才俊,混(hun)一(yi)(yi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)業(ye),指顧而(er)(er)(er)定矣(yi)!乃吳(wu)王力足以(yi)(yi)(yi)討評,而(er)(er)(er)不為首亂(luan);時足以(yi)(yi)(yi)取(qu)堅,而(er)(er)(er)還其(qi)(qi)舊兵;威足以(yi)(yi)(yi)困丕,而(er)(er)(er)開以(yi)(yi)(yi)生路,尤人所難(nan)者。至(zhi)於(wu)八十之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)齡,取(qu)西燕(yan)(yan)如拾(shi)芥,挫魏(wei)兵如發(fa)蒙,真太原所謂命世(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)才也。后來亡國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)主(zhu),猶自翹然,身在(zai)鼎俎(zu),神色不變。蓋(gai)先世(shi)大有功德(de),故子孫蹶而(er)(er)(er)復奮(fen),不若諸胡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)(yi)敗涂地。予於(wu)和龍(long)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,獨(du)有取(qu)爾者以(yi)(yi)(yi)此(ci)。太尉(wei)裕平燕(yan)(yan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)日,欲坑(keng)廣固,得韓(han)范(fan)諫而(er)(er)(er)止。嗚呼!燕(yan)(yan)何(he)罪(zui)哉!前燕(yan)(yan)開基,取(qu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)劉石。后燕(yan)(yan)恢復,奪之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)苻秦。燕(yan)(yan)何(he)罪(zui)哉!而(er)(er)(er)戮之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)若斯之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)慘也。太尉(wei)此(ci)舉(ju),不惟遠愧三代吊(diao)伐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)師,且近有怍於(wu)玄恭(gong)景略矣(yi)。惜哉!”
《廣名將(jiang)傳》:“前燕慕(mu)容(rong)恪,深沉(chen)有(you)略。皝授以(yi)兵(bing),從征參酌。使鎮(zhen)遼東,寇不敢作(zuo)。嗣雋親(qin)之(zhi),立功不薄。俊(jun)死暐孤,復以(yi)后托(tuo)。有(you)謀(mou)中(zhong)原,桓(huan)曰大錯。慕(mu)容(rong)恪存(cun),憂方如(ru)昨(zuo)。慕(mu)輿根誅,內外錯愕。恪獨安(an)之(zhi),使人把(ba)捉。罷朝而歸,養親(qin)為(wei)樂。臨死薦賢,報(bao)恩急著。忠孝(xiao)若(ruo)斯,才應兼(jian)學。”
王夫之(zhi)(zhi):“五(wu)胡旋起旋滅(mie),而(er)(er)(er)(er)中(zhong)原之(zhi)(zhi)死于(yu)兵(bing)刃者(zhe)(zhe)不可(ke)殫計。殫中(zhong)原之(zhi)(zhi)民于(yu)兵(bing)刃,而(er)(er)(er)(er)其旋起者(zhe)(zhe)亦(yi)必旋滅(mie)。其能有人之(zhi)(zhi)心而(er)(er)(er)(er)因以自全(quan)者(zhe)(zhe),唯慕(mu)容恪(ke)乎(hu)!故中(zhong)國之(zhi)(zhi)君,一(yi)姓不再興(xing),而(er)(er)(er)(er)慕(mu)容氏既滅(mie)而(er)(er)(er)(er)復起。恪(ke)圍段龕于(yu)廣固,諸將請亟攻(gong)之(zhi)(zhi),恪(ke)曰(yue):“龕兵(bing)尚(shang)眾,未有離心,盡銳攻(gong)之(zhi)(zhi),殺吾士卒必多矣,自有事中(zhong)原,兵(bing)不暫息,吾每念(nian)之(zhi)(zhi),夜而(er)(er)(er)(er)忘寐,要在(zai)取之(zhi)(zhi),不必求功(gong)(gong)之(zhi)(zhi)速。”嗚呼!惻悱(fei)之(zhi)(zhi)言(yan),自其中(zhong)發(fa),功(gong)(gong)成而(er)(er)(er)(er)人免于(yu)死,恪(ke)可(ke)不謂夷中(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)錚錚者(zhe)(zhe)乎(hu)!”
李鴻章:“為國者(zhe),但問自治,而不(bu)依他人之禍福。晉人喜慕容(rong)儁(jun)之沒,豈知慕容(rong)恪之更勝。今(jin)日急務,莫先(xian)儲才(cai)。培植人才(cai)必以學(xue)堂為根本。”
宋(song)丹凝:“雖然慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪為(wei)一代名將,但其政(zheng)治功績(ji)也非常(chang)大。在慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁死后(hou),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪甘(gan)為(wei)周(zhou)公,輔佐幼主慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐;官至(zhi)太宰,虛(xu)懷待物,知人善任;整(zheng)頓吏治,嚴明賞罰,謙(qian)虛(xu)謹(jin)慎,從不專斷(duan);誅殺(sha)叛(pan)臣慕(mu)(mu)輿根(gen),穩定朝政(zheng)。前(qian)燕政(zheng)局的穩定,多(duo)半是(shi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪的功勞。”
梁軍:“慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪的(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)生(sheng),也(ye)(ye)是前(qian)燕(yan)由弱變強的(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)段時間。他歷事三主,在慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)皝(huang)與慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁在位時,率軍南征北戰,開疆(jiang)拓土,輔(fu)佐幼主慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐七年間,前(qian)燕(yan)政(zheng)治空前(qian)穩定,所(suo)以(yi)他在燕(yan)國(guo)所(suo)占(zhan)的(de)(de)(de)(de)重要(yao)地位是不言而喻的(de)(de)(de)(de)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁死后(hou)(hou),東晉(jin)認為(wei)有機可(ke)乘(cheng),桓溫(wen)則說:‘慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪尚(shang)存(cun),所(suo)憂方為(wei)大耳(er)。’在其死后(hou)(hou),前(qian)秦、東晉(jin)先后(hou)(hou)攻打前(qian)燕(yan),前(qian)燕(yan)也(ye)(ye)迅速滅亡,這從(cong)另一(yi)方面(mian)也(ye)(ye)反映出慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪對于前(qian)燕(yan)的(de)(de)(de)(de)重要(yao)性(xing)。”
萬繩(sheng)楠:“慕容恪以其驚人(ren)的戰績,被后世譽為(wei)‘十六國第一名將’。”