后(hou)(hou)(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)建武四年(338年)五月(yue),后(hou)(hou)(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)皇帝石虎以(yi)燕(yan)軍違約獨(du)攻段部鮮(xian)卑(bei),得勝。又以(yi)劫掠而歸(gui)為由(you),發兵數(shu)十萬北(bei)伐,圍困大(da)(da)棘城(今遼寧(ning)義縣(xian))。燕(yan)趙(zhao)兩軍相持十余日,趙(zhao)軍不能克,遂后(hou)(hou)(hou)(hou)退。慕容(rong)皝派(pai)慕容(rong)恪(ke)率(lv)2000騎兵于清晨出城追(zhui)(zhui)殺(sha)。石虎見城內師出,大(da)(da)驚,棄甲(jia)潰(kui)逃(tao)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)乘勝追(zhui)(zhui)擊,大(da)(da)敗后(hou)(hou)(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)軍,斬獲三(san)萬余級。
后趙(zhao)建武(wu)四年(338年)十二月,段(duan)部鮮(xian)卑首領段(duan)遼(liao)遣使向后趙(zhao)請(qing)(qing)降(jiang)(jiang),中途(tu)反悔(hui),又遣使請(qing)(qing)降(jiang)(jiang)于前燕,并與(yu)前燕合謀設伏(fu),欲消滅趙(zhao)軍(jun)。時后趙(zhao)皇帝石(shi)虎(hu)已派(pai)征(zheng)東將軍(jun)麻秋、司馬陽(yang)裕(yu)等率(lv)兵3萬(wan)前去受降(jiang)(jiang)。前燕王慕容皝自統大(da)軍(jun)前往迎段(duan)遼(liao),派(pai)慕容恪帶精(jing)騎7000埋伏(fu)于密云(yun)山(shan)。慕容恪大(da)敗麻秋于三藏口(今河北承德),趙(zhao)軍(jun)死亡大(da)半(ban),麻秋步行逃脫,司馬陽(yang)裕(yu)被俘。
咸(xian)康七年(nian)(341)年(nian)十(shi)月,燕(yan)王(wang)慕容(rong)皝以(yi)慕容(rong)恪為渡遼將(jiang)軍,鎮守平郭。前燕(yan)自從慕容(rong)翰逃亡,慕容(rong)仁(ren)被(bei)殺(sha)后,無(wu)人能(neng)鎮守遼東。慕容(rong)恪行(xing)至平郭,撫舊懷(huai)新,屢破高(gao)句(ju)麗兵,高(gao)句(ju)麗畏之,不敢(gan)再入燕(yan)境。
建(jian)元二年(344年)二月,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝親(qin)自帶兵攻宇(yu)(yu)文(wen)(wen)(wen)逸豆歸(gui),以(yi)建(jian)威將(jiang)軍(jun)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)翰(于咸康六年回到燕國)為前鋒將(jiang)軍(jun),劉佩為副將(jiang);命慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪與慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)軍(jun)、慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)霸及折沖將(jiang)軍(jun)慕(mu)輿根等率(lv)兵分三(san)路并進。最(zui)終大破宇(yu)(yu)文(wen)(wen)(wen)軍(jun),燕軍(jun)乘(cheng)勝追擊,攻克宇(yu)(yu)文(wen)(wen)(wen)氏(shi)都(dou)城紫蒙川(今遼寧朝陽西北)。宇(yu)(yu)文(wen)(wen)(wen)逸豆歸(gui)敗(bai)逃,死(si)于漠(mo)北,宇(yu)(yu)文(wen)(wen)(wen)氏(shi)從此(ci)散(san)亡。
永和(he)元(yuan)年(345年)十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝令慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)攻(gong)打高句麗。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)攻(gong)拔南蘇(今遼寧撫順市東蘇子(zi)河與渾河合流處),派(pai)兵留守。永和(he)二年(346年)正(zheng)月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝派(pai)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)與世子(zi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁、慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)軍、慕(mu)(mu)輿根及(ji)1.7萬騎兵襲擊(ji)扶余(yu)國。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁坐鎮中(zhong)軍指(zhi)揮,而(er)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)則統帥諸軍冒(mao)矢石進(jin)擊(ji),攻(gong)克扶余(yu),俘(fu)扶余(yu)國王玄及(ji)部落(luo)5萬余(yu)口而(er)還。
永和六年(nian)(350年(nian)),后(hou)(hou)趙大(da)將(jiang)軍冉(ran)閔占據鄴(ye)城(cheng),滅亡后(hou)(hou)趙。自立為帝,國號大(da)魏,史稱冉(ran)魏。
永和七年(351年)八月,慕(mu)容儁遣(qian)慕(mu)容恪(ke)攻(gong)破(po)中山(shan)(今(jin)河北定州(zhou))。隨著(zhu)慕(mu)容恪(ke)攻(gong)占中山(shan)后,冉閔攻(gong)取了襄國(今(jin)河北邢臺),欲(yu)圖(tu)幽州(zhou)。前燕占領幽州(zhou)后,也(ye)想繼(ji)續(xu)南進,圖(tu)據中原,一場大戰不(bu)可避免。
永(yong)和(he)八年(nian)(352年(nian))四(si)月(yue),冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)將與(yu)前燕(yan)開(kai)戰(zhan)(zhan)。大將軍(jun)(jun)董閏、車騎將軍(jun)(jun)張溫(wen)苦諫冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min),不可(ke)同前燕(yan)開(kai)戰(zhan)(zhan)。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)不納(na),移軍(jun)(jun)于安喜(今河北定州)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)隨即(ji)引兵(bing)而至。魏燕(yan)兩(liang)軍(jun)(jun)交(jiao)戰(zhan)(zhan)十次,燕(yan)兵(bing)皆敗(bai)。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)素有(you)勇(yong)名,所(suo)(suo)部將士(shi)精(jing)銳,燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)畏懼。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)陣(zhen)前激勵將士(shi),指出冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)有(you)勇(yong)無謀(mou),其軍(jun)(jun)饑疲難用,定可(ke)擊破。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)所(suo)(suo)部多步卒,欲引燕(yan)騎兵(bing)至叢林(lin)作戰(zhan)(zhan)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)采納(na)參軍(jun)(jun)高開(kai)之策,急派輕騎截擊之,然后佯(yang)敗(bai)誘敵(di)至平地,并將燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)切分為三部。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)自(zi)率中(zhong)軍(jun)(jun),選善(shan)射(she)者(zhe)五千人(ren),以鐵(tie)鎖連戰(zhan)(zhan)馬(ma)結方陣(zhen)而前,另兩(liang)部各(ge)置一(yi)側(ce)配合主力(li)進擊。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)恃勇(yong)輕敵(di),果然中(zhong)計,直突燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)中(zhong)部鐵(tie)馬(ma)方陣(zhen)。燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)側(ce)翼部隊即(ji)從(cong)兩(liang)面夾擊,大敗(bai)冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)軍(jun)(jun)隊,斬七千余(yu)人(ren)。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)突圍(wei)東走(zou)二十余(yu)里,坐騎忽死,被燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)所(suo)(suo)俘,冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)魏滅亡。
元(yuan)璽元(yuan)年(nian)(352年(nian)),冉閔被慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)軍(jun)俘虜后,其子(zi)(zi)冉操投奔鎮守魯(lu)口(kou)(今(jin)河北饒陽)的(de)大將王(wang)(wang)午。七(qi)月(yue),王(wang)(wang)午自稱安國王(wang)(wang),對抗(kang)前燕(yan)。八月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)遣慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)、太尉封(feng)奕、尚(shang)書令陽騖攻(gong)打魯(lu)口(kou)。王(wang)(wang)午憑借城(cheng)(cheng)池(chi)之險進(jin)行抵(di)抗(kang),并(bing)把(ba)冉操送于(yu)(yu)燕(yan)軍(jun)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)料魯(lu)口(kou)城(cheng)(cheng)池(chi)堅固,暫難攻(gong)克,遂將城(cheng)(cheng)外的(de)莊稼盡(jin)數(shu)收割(ge),撤回(hui)中山(今(jin)河北定州市)。十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)屯安平,積糧,修筑攻(gong)城(cheng)(cheng)器具,準備(bei)攻(gong)討(tao)王(wang)(wang)午。時中山蘇(su)(su)林起兵于(yu)(yu)無極,自稱天子(zi)(zi),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)率軍(jun)先攻(gong)討(tao)蘇(su)(su)林。十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)派廣(guang)威將軍(jun)慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根幫助慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke),斬(zhan)蘇(su)(su)林。不久,王(wang)(wang)午為其將秦(qin)興殺(sha)死(si),呂護又(you)殺(sha)秦(qin)興,繼(ji)承安國王(wang)(wang)。
元璽三年(354年)二月,慕容恪(ke)再次發兵圍魯口,次月克之。呂護逃(tao)往野王(wang)(今河南沁陽)。四月,慕容儁(jun)以(yi)慕容恪(ke)為大(da)司馬、侍(shi)中、大(da)都督、錄尚書(shu)事,封太(tai)原王(wang)。
建熙二年(361年)二月,寧南將(jiang)軍(jun)呂(lv)護,鎮守野王(今(jin)河南沁陽),暗中投靠東晉,東晉以(yi)呂(lv)護為前將(jiang)軍(jun)、冀州刺史。呂(lv)護欲引(yin)東晉軍(jun)偷襲燕都鄴城(cheng)(今(jin)河北臨漳(zhang)),未及行(xing)動,事情敗露。
三月(yue),燕(yan)王(wang)遣慕(mu)容恪統軍(jun)前往野(ye)王(wang)平叛。慕(mu)容恪率(lv)軍(jun)5萬,冠軍(jun)將軍(jun)皇甫真領兵1萬,進至野(ye)王(wang)城(cheng)外(wai),呂護閉城(cheng)固守。慕(mu)容恪遂于野(ye)王(wang)城(cheng)外(wai)修筑深溝高壘(lei),切斷守軍(jun)外(wai)援(yuan),以(yi)待機擊之(zhi)。
七月,呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)軍(jun)(jun)被圍數月,外無(wu)救兵,內無(wu)糧草。呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)被迫令部將張(zhang)興率領7000人馬出(chu)城迎戰,張(zhang)興被傅顏斬(zhan)殺(sha)。當夜,呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)以黃甫(fu)真營陣為(wei)突圍口,率城中(zhong)銳卒試圖突圍。皇甫(fu)真事(shi)先已做(zuo)好防備,慕容恪(ke)領兵從側翼(yi)出(chu)擊,呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)所(suo)部死(si)傷慘重,呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)單騎逃往滎陽(今河南滎陽),燕軍(jun)(jun)攻克野王,結(jie)束(shu)野王之戰。
永和(he)六年(350年)前(qian)后(hou)(hou),原(yuan)段(duan)氏鮮卑首(shou)領段(duan)蘭之(zhi)子(zi)段(duan)龕乘著后(hou)(hou)趙內亂、冉魏(wei)新立之(zhi)機,統帥部眾(zhong)南遷陳留(今河南開封)。七月,東遷廣固(今山東青(qing)州),自稱齊(qi)王(wang),向東晉稱臣,受封為鎮北將軍。
元璽四(si)年(355年),前(qian)燕攻(gong)滅石氏、冉(ran)魏的(de)勢(shi)力,開拓疆(jiang)域,成(cheng)為(wei)地(di)跨幽、冀、并、平四(si)州的(de)政(zheng)權,掙(zheng)脫東(dong)晉,慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)自稱(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)帝。段龕以(yi)為(wei)與慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)同出鮮卑,致書慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)稱(cheng)(cheng)帝之非;加之段部所據(ju)廣(guang)固(gu)(gu),勢(shi)力漸(jian)強,已威(wei)脅前(qian)燕的(de)統治,慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)遂決意發(fa)兵攻(gong)廣(guang)固(gu)(gu)。十一月(yue),慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)以(yi)慕(mu)容恪(ke)為(wei)大都(dou)督(du)、撫軍(jun)將(jiang)軍(jun),尚書令陽(yang)騖為(wei)副將(jiang),率軍(jun)進攻(gong)廣(guang)固(gu)(gu)。十二月(yue),燕軍(jun)至黃河北岸,慕(mu)容恪(ke)先(xian)以(yi)輕舟(zhou)渡河,試探(tan)虛(xu)實。
元璽五年(356年)正月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪率(lv)軍(jun)渡過黃(huang)河,距廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)(gu)百余里。段龕(kan)(kan)率(lv)軍(jun)3萬人迎戰(zhan),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪于淄水戰(zhan)敗段龕(kan)(kan),數千名士卒投降(jiang)燕軍(jun)。段龕(kan)(kan)逃(tao)回(hui)廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)(gu),閉城固(gu)(gu)守(shou)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪率(lv)燕軍(jun)在廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)(gu)城外(wai)修(xiu)高(gao)墻挖深塹圍困之。并招(zhao)撫廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)(gu)四周(zhou)諸城,段龕(kan)(kan)所(suo)署(shu)徐州刺史(shi)王騰等(deng)于二月(yue)投降(jiang)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪。
慕(mu)容(rong)恪圍(wei)廣(guang)固(gu)七個月(yue)后,段(duan)龕難以(yi)支撐,遂派(pai)人(ren)(ren)向東晉求(qiu)援。八(ba)月(yue),東晉派(pai)徐州刺(ci)史荀(xun)羨(xian)前往解圍(wei)。荀(xun)羨(xian)行至瑯琊(ya),畏(wei)懼燕軍不進(jin)(jin)。恰逢王(wang)騰(teng)帶軍攻(gong)打鄄(juan)城(今山東鄄(juan)城),荀(xun)羨(xian)遂進(jin)(jin)攻(gong)陽都(今山東沂(yi)南),斬王(wang)騰(teng)。不久,廣(guang)固(gu)城內路(lu)人(ren)(ren)相食,無以(yi)為(wei)守。段(duan)龕悉(xi)眾出戰,被(bei)慕(mu)容(rong)恪在圍(wei)里擊敗,單騎逃回城中。十一月(yue),段(duan)龕計(ji)窮,只得出降。慕(mu)容(rong)恪安撫百姓(xing),平定(ding)齊地,遷(qian)鮮卑、胡、羯三千余戶至薊。留慕(mu)容(rong)塵鎮廣(guang)固(gu),以(yi)尚(shang)書左丞(cheng)鞠殷為(wei)東萊太(tai)(tai)守,章武太(tai)(tai)守鮮于亮為(wei)齊郡太(tai)(tai)守,率軍而還。
廣固城之戰(zhan)后,東晉(jin)泰山(shan)太守(shou)諸葛攸進攻(gong)東郡(今(jin)河(he)南濮陽(yang))。慕(mu)容恪領統陽(yang)騖、慕(mu)容臧率兵進擊,大敗晉(jin)軍,諸葛攸退回太山(shan)(今(jin)山(shan)東泰安)。慕(mu)容恪乘勝渡過黃(huang)河(he),占領河(he)南部分土地,并(bing)設守(shou)宰。此后,前(qian)燕(yan)轄境(jing)迅速延至黃(huang)河(he)以南,對東晉(jin)構成了威脅(xie)。
光壽三(san)年(nian)(359年(nian)),慕容(rong)(rong)儁患病,對慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)說:朕病得這么(me)虛(xu)弱(ruo),恐怕是好不(bu)了。壽命長短(duan),都沒有什么(me)可(ke)怨恨的(de)了!不(bu)過,現在東晉和前秦未除,太子(zi)慕容(rong)(rong)暐年(nian)幼。朕擔心他應(ying)付不(bu)來,想(xiang)效法宋宣公,將皇位(wei)交給你。慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)堅決(jue)拒(ju)絕,更說:“陛下(xia)若果認為臣能夠(gou)承擔安定(ding)天下(xia)的(de)重責,難道就沒能好好輔助少主!”慕容(rong)(rong)儁聽后十分高(gao)興。
光壽四年(nian)(360年(nian))正月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容儁(jun)在鄴(ye)城大(da)閱郡國之兵,欲派大(da)軍進攻秦、晉,但病(bing)(bing)情轉危(wei),遂召慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)、慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容鶩、慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容評及慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿根(gen)等受遺詔輔政(zheng),旋即病(bing)(bing)卒,時年(nian)四十二歲,葬于龍陵,謚號景(jing)昭皇(huang)(huang)帝(di),廟號烈祖。皇(huang)(huang)太(tai)子(zi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容暐(wei)即位,年(nian)僅(jin)十一歲。二月,尊皇(huang)(huang)后可足渾氏為皇(huang)(huang)太(tai)后,以慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)太(tai)宰、錄尚書事,行周公事,總攝朝政(zheng)。
不(bu)(bu)過,當時作為太(tai)師(shi)輔政的慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)自(zi)(zi)恃(shi)戰功(gong)顯赫(he),高傲自(zi)(zi)大,看(kan)不(bu)(bu)起慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)為挑(tiao)起事(shi)端以(yi)(yi)作亂,先以(yi)(yi)可足渾太(tai)后(hou)(hou)(hou)干政來挑(tiao)撥(bo)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke),謊(huang)稱(cheng)支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)奪位。但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)不(bu)(bu)受。吳(wu)王慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容垂以(yi)(yi)及皇(huang)(huang)甫真及后(hou)(hou)(hou)都(dou)(dou)勸他誅(zhu)殺慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen),但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)以(yi)(yi)皇(huang)(huang)帝新(xin)死,國家安穩(wen)為首要(yao),決定(ding)忍耐。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)挑(tiao)撥(bo)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)不(bu)(bu)成,于是試圖離(li)間慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容暐(wei)母子,想要(yao)太(tai)后(hou)(hou)(hou)誅(zhu)殺慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)等(deng)。新(xin)帝慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容暐(wei)支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke),勸止了母親。與此同時,前燕已經在滅(mie)冉(ran)魏后(hou)(hou)(hou)遷都(dou)(dou)鄴城,以(yi)(yi)舊都(dou)(dou)龍(long)城(今(jin)遼寧朝陽市)為留京(jing)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)思戀遼東祖地,力勸太(tai)后(hou)(hou)(hou)和慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容暐(wei)建議還都(dou)(dou)龍(long)城,變相(xiang)放棄中(zhong)原(yuan)地區。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)知道后(hou)(hou)(hou),聯合慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容評密奏慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)罪狀,派(pai)衛將軍(jun)傅顏誅(zhu)殺了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)及其黨羽(yu)。
面對(dui)皇(huang)帝新死,就發生誅殺輔政重臣的事件,國(guo)內憂(you)慮情緒(xu)很高。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪舉止如常,出入都只有一人跟從,不(bu)肯加添守衛。然后大赦天下(xia)(xia),并(bing)停發慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)生前所集各(ge)路(lu)兵員,受任(ren)理政,兢(jing)兢(jing)嚴謹,與司(si)徒慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)評(ping)共同協作,虛心待士,諮諏善道,量(liang)才(cai)授任(ren),燕政為(wei)之一新。于是,境內局勢漸穩(wen),人心稍為(wei)安(an)定(ding)。同時,原先征集在鄴(ye)城(cheng)的各(ge)郡軍人都因為(wei)國(guo)家內部紛亂(luan)而(er)經常逃跑,而(er)鄴(ye)城(cheng)向南(nan)方領地的道路(lu)通(tong)訊不(bu)暢通(tong)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪命令慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂南(nan)鎮蠡臺(tai)(今河南(nan)商丘(qiu)),傅顏率軍南(nan)巡淮河,終令國(guo)家安(an)穩(wen)下(xia)(xia)來(lai)。
建熙六年(nian)(365年(nian))二(er)月,慕容(rong)恪與吳(wu)王慕容(rong)垂共攻洛陽。三(san)月,克(ke)之,俘虜揚武(wu)將(jiang)軍沈(shen)(shen)勁。慕容(rong)恪惜之為奇(qi)士(shi)欲(yu)赦(she)免(mian),慕容(rong)虔上書說(shuo):沈(shen)(shen)勁雖為奇(qi)士(shi),卻(que)終不可為己所用,留之必患。遂斬殺(sha)沈(shen)(shen)勁。
慕容恪(ke)奪(duo)取洛陽后(hou),隨即略地至崤山(shan)、澠池(chi),關中大震(zhen),前秦天王苻堅親自到陜城(cheng)進行防備。不久,慕容恪(ke)率軍撤回鄴城(cheng)。
當時吳王慕容(rong)(rong)垂才能出眾,慕容(rong)(rong)恪對其非常倚重,曾(ceng)多次(ci)向燕(yan)主(zhu)進(jin)行推薦(jian)。
建熙(xi)七(qi)年(nian)(366年(nian)),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪病(bing)重,深慮(lv)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)手中無實權,而慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)評又多猜忌,便(bian)對慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)之兄、樂安王(wang)(wang)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)臧舉薦吳王(wang)(wang)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui),但是慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)臧沒有聽從慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪的話。
慕(mu)容(rong)暐親臨慕(mu)容(rong)恪府向他詢(xun)問后事,慕(mu)容(rong)恪再次(ci)向慕(mu)容(rong)暐推薦(jian)慕(mu)容(rong)垂,說(shuo):“我聽(ting)聞,傅(fu)說(shuo)舉薦(jian)士人(ren)。板筑之(zhi)人(ren)都可(ke)以,更何(he)況(kuang)是國(guo)家的懿籓!吳王(wang)兼具(ju)文武之(zhi)才,才能(neng)僅次(ci)于管仲、蕭何(he)。陛(bi)下如果把政(zheng)務交給他,國(guo)家就能(neng)獲得安定。不然,我怕二寇肯定會有窺窬之(zhi)計。”慕(mu)容(rong)恪言終而卒。死后,贈本官,謚號為桓。
慕(mu)容(rong)恪一生(sheng),戰(zhan)昌黎、密云,破高句麗、宇(yu)文部,攻石趙殘余,滅冉魏(wei)、段齊,討呂(lv)護平野(ye)王,擊東晉下洛陽,戰(zhan)功赫(he)赫(he),構(gou)筑(zhu)了前燕的最大版圖。同時,慕(mu)容(rong)儁死后,官(guan)拜太宰,輔(fu)佐(zuo)幼主慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei),以(yi)謙(qian)恭寬和(he)的姿態(tai)穩(wen)定國(guo)政,使得國(guo)內相對穩(wen)定。
慕容皝:“恪(ke)智勇俱濟,汝其委之。”
王猛:“慕容玄恭,信奇士也,可謂古(gu)之遺愛矣!”
崔浩(hao):“王猛之(zhi)經國(guo),苻(fu)堅(jian)之(zhi)管仲(zhong)也(ye);慕容(rong)恪之(zhi)輔少主,慕容(rong)暐之(zhi)霍光也(ye)。”
張預(yu):“沉(chen)深有大度。......容貌魁(kui)杰,雄毅嚴(yan)重,每所言(yan)及,輒經綸世務(wu),.......數從皝征伐,臨機多奇策。......雖執(zhi)權(quan)政事,必諮之(zhi)(zhi)于評。罷朝歸第,則盡心色養,手不(bu)釋卷。.......恪為(wei)將不(bu)尚(shang)威嚴(yan),專以(yi)恩(en)信御物,務(wu)于大略,不(bu)以(yi)小(xiao)令(ling)勞眾(zhong)。軍(jun)士有犯(fan)法(fa),密縱(zong)舍(she)之(zhi)(zhi),捕斬賊首以(yi)令(ling)軍(jun)。營內不(bu)整似可犯(fan),而防御甚(shen)嚴(yan),終(zhong)無喪敗。........恪之(zhi)(zhi)為(wei)將,專以(yi)恩(en)信而不(bu)尚(shang)威嚴(yan)是也。”
張(zhang)預(yu): “孫子曰:‘輔(fu)周則(ze)國必強。’恪在中原,桓(huan)溫以(yi)謂所憂方大。又曰:‘卒未(wei)親附而罰之(zhi)(zhi),則(ze)不(bu)服。’恪之(zhi)(zhi)為將,專以(yi)恩(en)信而不(bu)尚威嚴是也。”
陳普:“霜雹(bao)風(feng)沙雜亂(luan)飛,段(duan)龕(kan)地(di)下見春歸。時來但處周(zhou)公位,歷舉華人(ren)百世希。”“當時人(ren)才南有謝(xie)安(an),北有慕(mu)容恪,西有王猛。較其(qi)分數(shu),玄恭其(qi)賢矣(yi),安(an)石善處轇轕(ge)之(zhi)(zhi)際,富(fu)貴之(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)薄而家世清虛,無能(neng)遠猷。王景略干將吳鉤薄于(yu)德矣(yi)。玄恭才優而心(xin)正(zheng),獨不能(neng)力主。李績終殺(sha),沈勁為(wei)可(ke)恨。而其(qi)討(tao)段(duan)龕(kan),城下數(shu)語,天地(di)鬼神實(shi)聞之(zhi)(zhi)事。”
張(zhang)大(da)齡(ling):“慕容氏自龍驤(xiang)以來,世豪東(dong)(dong)夏,其(qi)子(zi)孫俱英朗(lang)雄杰(jie),發在童(tong)孺,天之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)所(suo)興,其(qi)誰廢之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!太原德(de)業(ye)邁於狐趙,吳王才器不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)下管蕭。昔舜生諸(zhu)馮,東(dong)(dong)夷之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人可以其(qi)鮮卑(bei)而(er)(er)少之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)?償恪(ke)而(er)(er)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)死,更得明主事之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),與吳王垂左提右(you)挈,驅(qu)駕(jia)才俊,混一之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)業(ye),指顧而(er)(er)定矣!乃吳王力足(zu)以討評,而(er)(er)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)為首亂;時(shi)足(zu)以取(qu)(qu)堅(jian),而(er)(er)還其(qi)舊兵(bing);威足(zu)以困(kun)丕(pi),而(er)(er)開以生路,尤(you)人所(suo)難者。至於八十之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)齡(ling),取(qu)(qu)西(xi)燕(yan)(yan)如拾芥(jie),挫魏兵(bing)如發蒙(meng),真太原所(suo)謂命世之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)才也。后來亡國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)主,猶自翹然,身(shen)在鼎俎,神色不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)變。蓋先世大(da)有(you)(you)功德(de),故(gu)子(zi)孫蹶而(er)(er)復奮,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)若諸(zhu)胡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)一敗涂地。予於和龍之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,獨有(you)(you)取(qu)(qu)爾(er)者以此。太尉裕平(ping)燕(yan)(yan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)日,欲(yu)坑廣固,得韓范(fan)諫而(er)(er)止(zhi)。嗚呼!燕(yan)(yan)何罪哉!前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)開基,取(qu)(qu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)劉石。后燕(yan)(yan)恢復,奪之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)苻秦。燕(yan)(yan)何罪哉!而(er)(er)戮之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)若斯之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)慘也。太尉此舉,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)惟遠愧三代吊伐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)師,且近有(you)(you)怍於玄恭景(jing)略矣。惜(xi)哉!”
《廣名將傳》:“前燕慕(mu)容恪,深沉(chen)有略(lve)。皝授以兵,從征(zheng)參(can)酌。使鎮(zhen)遼東,寇不敢作。嗣雋親之,立(li)功不薄。俊死(si)暐孤,復以后托。有謀中(zhong)原(yuan),桓曰大錯(cuo)。慕(mu)容恪存,憂方如昨。慕(mu)輿根誅,內外錯(cuo)愕。恪獨安之,使人(ren)把捉。罷朝(chao)而歸,養親為樂。臨死(si)薦賢,報(bao)恩急著。忠孝(xiao)若(ruo)斯,才應兼學。”
王夫之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):“五胡旋起旋滅(mie),而(er)(er)(er)(er)(er)中(zhong)(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死(si)于(yu)兵(bing)(bing)刃(ren)者(zhe)不可殫(dan)計(ji)。殫(dan)中(zhong)(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)民于(yu)兵(bing)(bing)刃(ren),而(er)(er)(er)(er)(er)其(qi)旋起者(zhe)亦必(bi)旋滅(mie)。其(qi)能有人(ren)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)而(er)(er)(er)(er)(er)因以自(zi)全者(zhe),唯慕容恪(ke)乎!故中(zhong)(zhong)國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,一(yi)姓不再(zai)興,而(er)(er)(er)(er)(er)慕容氏既(ji)滅(mie)而(er)(er)(er)(er)(er)復起。恪(ke)圍(wei)段(duan)龕(kan)于(yu)廣固(gu),諸將請(qing)亟攻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),恪(ke)曰(yue):“龕(kan)兵(bing)(bing)尚眾(zhong),未(wei)有離心(xin),盡銳攻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),殺吾士卒(zu)必(bi)多矣(yi),自(zi)有事中(zhong)(zhong)原(yuan),兵(bing)(bing)不暫息,吾每念之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),夜而(er)(er)(er)(er)(er)忘寐(mei),要(yao)在(zai)取之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),不必(bi)求功(gong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)速。”嗚呼!惻悱(fei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)言(yan),自(zi)其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)發,功(gong)成而(er)(er)(er)(er)(er)人(ren)免于(yu)死(si),恪(ke)可不謂(wei)夷中(zhong)(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)錚錚者(zhe)乎!”
李鴻章:“為國者,但問自(zi)治,而不依他人(ren)(ren)之禍(huo)福。晉人(ren)(ren)喜慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)之沒,豈知(zhi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪之更勝。今日(ri)急務,莫(mo)先儲(chu)才。培植人(ren)(ren)才必以學堂為根本。”
宋丹(dan)凝:“雖然慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)為(wei)一代名將,但其政(zheng)治功績也非常(chang)大。在慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)死后,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)甘(gan)為(wei)周公,輔(fu)佐幼主(zhu)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐;官至太宰,虛(xu)懷待物,知(zhi)人善任(ren);整(zheng)頓吏治,嚴明賞(shang)罰,謙虛(xu)謹(jin)慎,從不專斷;誅殺叛臣慕(mu)輿(yu)根,穩(wen)定朝政(zheng)。前燕(yan)政(zheng)局的穩(wen)定,多半是慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)的功勞。”
梁軍:“慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)的(de)一生,也是(shi)前(qian)燕(yan)由(you)弱變(bian)強的(de)一段時間。他歷(li)事三主,在(zai)(zai)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝(huang)與慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)在(zai)(zai)位時,率軍南(nan)征北戰,開疆拓土,輔佐幼主慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐七年(nian)間,前(qian)燕(yan)政治空前(qian)穩定,所以(yi)他在(zai)(zai)燕(yan)國(guo)所占的(de)重要(yao)地位是(shi)不言而喻的(de)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)死后(hou),東(dong)晉認為(wei)有機可乘,桓溫則說:‘慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)尚存,所憂方(fang)為(wei)大耳。’在(zai)(zai)其死后(hou),前(qian)秦、東(dong)晉先(xian)后(hou)攻(gong)打前(qian)燕(yan),前(qian)燕(yan)也迅速滅(mie)亡(wang),這從另(ling)一方(fang)面也反映出慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)對于前(qian)燕(yan)的(de)重要(yao)性。”
萬繩楠(nan):“慕容恪以(yi)其驚人的戰績,被后世(shi)譽為‘十(shi)六國第(di)一(yi)名將’。”