九鼎,是中國(guo)的(de)(de)代(dai)名詞,以及王(wang)權(quan)(quan)至高無上、國(guo)家(jia)統(tong)一昌盛的(de)(de)象征。夏(xia)朝(chao)、商朝(chao)、周(zhou)朝(chao)三代(dai)奉為象征國(guo)家(jia)政權(quan)(quan)的(de)(de)傳國(guo)之寶。戰國(guo)時(shi)(shi),秦(qin)、楚皆有興師到周(zhou)王(wang)城(cheng)洛(luo)邑求鼎之事。周(zhou)顯王(wang)時(shi)(shi),九鼎沒于泗水下(xia)。后(hou)世帝王(wang)非常看重九鼎的(de)(de)權(quan)(quan)利象征與(yu)意(yi)義,亦曾屢次重鑄九鼎,武則天、宋徽宗(zong)也曾鑄九鼎。
相傳,夏朝(chao)初年(nian),夏王大禹劃分天下(xia)為九(jiu)(jiu)州,令九(jiu)(jiu)州州牧貢(gong)獻青銅,鑄(zhu)造九(jiu)(jiu)鼎,象征九(jiu)(jiu)州,將(jiang)(jiang)全國九(jiu)(jiu)州的名(ming)山大川、奇(qi)異之物鐫刻于(yu)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎之身,以一鼎象征一州,并(bing)將(jiang)(jiang)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎集中于(yu)夏王朝(chao)都城(cheng)。
《史記·封禪書(shu)》:“禹收九牧之金(jin),鑄(zhu)九鼎(ding)。皆嘗亨(heng)鬺(shang)上帝鬼神。遭圣(sheng)則(ze)興,鼎(ding)遷于夏商。周德(de)衰,宋之社亡(wang),鼎(ding)乃(nai)淪沒,伏而(er)不見(jian)。”
九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding),據傳是大禹在建立夏朝以后(hou),用天(tian)(tian)下(xia)九(jiu)牧所貢之(zhi)銅鑄成(cheng)(cheng)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding),象征九(jiu)州。商代(dai)時(shi)(shi),對(dui)表示王室(shi)貴(gui)族身份的鼎(ding)(ding),曾有嚴(yan)格的規定:士用一鼎(ding)(ding)或三鼎(ding)(ding),大夫用五鼎(ding)(ding),諸侯用七鼎(ding)(ding),而(er)(er)天(tian)(tian)子才能用九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding),祭(ji)祀天(tian)(tian)地祖先時(shi)(shi)行(xing)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)大禮。因此,‘鼎(ding)(ding)’很(hen)自然(ran)地成(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)國家擁有政權的象征,進(jin)而(er)(er)成(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)國家傳國寶器。《墨(mo)子·耕(geng)注》:夏后(hou)氏失之(zhi),殷人受(shou)之(zhi);殷人失之(zhi),周人受(shou)之(zhi)。夏后(hou)、殷、周之(zhi)相(xiang)受(shou)也。
商(shang)湯逐走夏桀后,將九鼎遷(qian)至(zhi)(zhi)其(qi)都。盤庚定都于殷后,九鼎遷(qian)移至(zhi)(zhi)此。
周(zhou)(zhou)武王滅商(shang)后(hou),曾公(gong)(gong)開(kai)展示九鼎(ding)(ding)。周(zhou)(zhou)成(cheng)(cheng)王即位后(hou),周(zhou)(zhou)公(gong)(gong)旦營造(zao)洛邑,將九鼎(ding)(ding)置于(yu)該(gai)城,并請成(cheng)(cheng)王親(qin)自主持祭禮(li),將九鼎(ding)(ding)安放在(zai)明堂之中。史記周(zhou)(zhou)本紀載:成(cheng)(cheng)在(zai)豐,使召公(gong)(gong)復營洛邑,如武王之意。周(zhou)(zhou)公(gong)(gong)復卜申(shen)視,卒(zu)營筑,居九鼎(ding)(ding)焉(yan)。
東周(zhou)開始后,周(zhou)朝王(wang)(wang)室衰(shuai)落,各諸侯開始覬覦王(wang)(wang)權。周(zhou)定(ding)王(wang)(wang)時,楚(chu)莊王(wang)(wang)首(shou)次于洛(luo)邑“問(wen)(wen)(wen)鼎(ding)之輕重”,被周(zhou)大(da)夫王(wang)(wang)孫滿駁回。后楚(chu)靈王(wang)(wang)一度也(ye)(ye)動心問(wen)(wen)(wen)鼎(ding),因國內發生叛亂,未果。(八(ba)年(nian),伐(fa)陸渾戎,遂(sui)至洛(luo),觀兵于周(zhou)郊。周(zhou)定(ding)王(wang)(wang)使王(wang)(wang)孫滿勞楚(chu)王(wang)(wang)。楚(chu)王(wang)(wang)問(wen)(wen)(wen)鼎(ding)小大(da)輕重,對曰:“在德(de)不在鼎(ding)。周(zhou)德(de)雖(sui)衰(shuai),天命未改。鼎(ding)之輕重,未可問(wen)(wen)(wen)也(ye)(ye)。”楚(chu)王(wang)(wang)乃歸。)
秦惠王時,張儀制定策略,希望能奪得九鼎以號令諸侯,楚頃(qing)襄(xiang)王、齊國(guo)國(guo)王亦希(xi)望爭奪寶鼎。周(zhou)赧(nan)王周(zhou)旋于(yu)兩國(guo)以及魏國(guo)、韓國(guo)之(zhi)間,令其相互制約,得保九鼎不失。
秦(qin)(qin)武(wu)王(wang)四年(前307年),秦(qin)(qin)國攻占韓國重(zhong)鎮宜陽(yang)。秦(qin)(qin)武(wu)王(wang)大喜(xi),引任鄙、孟賁一班勇士到宜陽(yang)巡視,然后直(zhi)入洛(luo)陽(yang),以窺周室。周赧王(wang)遣使郊(jiao)迎,秦(qin)(qin)武(wu)王(wang)直(zhi)接(jie)入太廟明堂中欲(yu)窺九(jiu)鼎。秦(qin)(qin)武(wu)王(wang)圍著九(jiu)鼎觀覽一番,贊嘆(tan)不(bu)(bu)已(yi)。秦(qin)(qin)武(wu)王(wang)指雍(yong)(yong)字一鼎嘆(tan)道:“此雍(yong)(yong)州之鼎,乃秦(qin)(qin)鼎也,寡人(ren)當攜歸咸陽(yang)。”守鼎的(de)官吏說:“此武(wu)王(wang)定鼎于此,未曾移(yi)動,每(mei)鼎有千(qian)鈞之重(zhong),無人(ren)能舉。”秦(qin)(qin)武(wu)王(wang)盡(jin)平生(sheng)之力(li),將(jiang)鼎抬離(li)地半尺。正(zheng)要(yao)邁步,不(bu)(bu)覺(jue)力(li)盡(jin)失手(shou),鼎墜于地,正(zheng)壓(ya)在武(wu)王(wang)右(you)足(zu)上,喀嚓一聲,將(jiang)脛骨(gu)壓(ya)斷。眾人(ren)急忙把他(ta)扶歸公館,秦(qin)(qin)武(wu)王(wang)疼痛(tong)難忍,血流不(bu)(bu)止(zhi),挨(ai)至半夜,氣絕而亡。秦(qin)(qin)武(wu)王(wang)即(ji)位時曾言:“得游鞏(gong)、洛(luo),生(sheng)死無恨。”今日果然死于洛(luo)陽(yang)。
武王竟至(zhi)周(zhou),而(er)卒于(yu)周(zhou)。其弟立,為昭王。
秦(qin)昭襄王(wang)(wang)在位時期,周(zhou)(zhou)赧(nan)王(wang)(wang)駕崩,周(zhou)(zhou)民(min)遂(sui)東亡。秦(qin)取九鼎寶器,而遷西(xi)周(zhou)(zhou)公于憚狐(hu)。后(hou)七歲,秦(qin)莊(zhuang)襄王(wang)(wang)滅東周(zhou)(zhou)。東西(xi)周(zhou)(zhou)皆入于秦(qin),周(zhou)(zhou)既(ji)不祀。
據說(shuo),秦滅周后第二(er)年(nian)即把周王室(shi)的(de)九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)西遷咸陽。但到(dao)秦始皇滅六(liu)國,統一天下時,九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)已不知下落。有人說(shuo)九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)沉(chen)沒在泗水(shui)彭城,秦始皇出巡泗水(shui)彭城地方,曾派(pai)人潛(qian)水(shui)打撈,結果徒勞無功。也(ye)有史(shi)學家(jia)認為,九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)并非是九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)個,而是只有一個,因為代表九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou),也(ye)叫九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou)鼎(ding),簡稱(cheng)九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)。
武(wu)則(ze)天(tian)登基(ji)后的(de)女皇要利用儒(ru)、佛(fo)、道的(de)思(si)想來鞏固地(di)位。制禮作樂,向來是帝王的(de)能事。武(wu)則(ze)天(tian)享明堂、置七(qi)寶(bao)、封神岳、作大樂、鑄九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)。九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)是古代象(xiang)征國(guo)家政權的(de)傳國(guo)之寶(bao)。相(xiang)傳禹(yu)鑄九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding),以象(xiang)九(jiu)州(zhou)。武(wu)則(ze)天(tian)知(zhi)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)難求,遂重新鑄之。神功(gong)元年(697)四(si)月,鼎(ding)(ding)成,置于洛陽明堂當中,神都鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)永昌(chang),高(gao)一丈八尺,容(rong)(rong)1,800石。冀州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)武(wu)興,雍(yong)州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)長安,兗州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)日觀,青州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)少(shao)陽,徐州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)東原,揚州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)江(jiang)都,荊(jing)州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)江(jiang)陵,梁州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)(ming)(ming)成都,均高(gao)一丈四(si)尺,容(rong)(rong)1,200石,各圖(tu)山川物產(chan)于其(qi)上,共用銅56萬余斤。
如《資治通鑒》引記:“則天(tian)(tian)順圣皇后中之(zhi)下神功(gong)元年(nian)(697)……夏,四(si)月,鑄(zhu)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)成,徙(xi)置通天(tian)(tian)宮。豫(yu)州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)高丈八尺,受千八百石(三十斤為(wei)鈞,四(si)鈞為(wei)石。即1,800x120=216,000斤);梁州(zhou)高丈四(si)尺,受千二百石;各圖山川物(wu)產于(yu)其上,共用銅五(wu)十六萬(wan)七百余斤。太后欲以黃金千兩涂之(zhi),姚濤曰:“九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)神器,貴于(yu)天(tian)(tian)質自然。且臣觀其五(wu)采煥炳相(xiang)雜,不待金色以為(wei)炫耀。”太后從之(zhi)。自玄武門曳入,令(ling)宰相(xiang)、諸王帥南北牙宿衛兵十余萬(wan)人并仗內大牛、白象共曳之(zhi)。
如《宋(song)史》所(suo)記:“崇寧四(si)年(1105年)三月,鑄(zhu)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),用金甚厚,取九(jiu)(jiu)州水土內(nei)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)中(zhong)。”宋(song)徽宗以銅(tong)二十二萬斤鑄(zhu)造九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),裝飾以黃金,并仿明堂,在汴京(jing)中(zhong)太一宮之南(nan)建(jian)造九(jiu)(jiu)成宮,內(nei)有九(jiu)(jiu)室(shi),陳列九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)。中(zhong)央之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)為(wei)(wei)(wei)帝鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),東(dong)方為(wei)(wei)(wei)蒼(cang)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),南(nan)方為(wei)(wei)(wei)彤鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),北(bei)方為(wei)(wei)(wei)寶鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),東(dong)北(bei)為(wei)(wei)(wei)牡鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),東(dong)南(nan)為(wei)(wei)(wei)岡鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),西南(nan)為(wei)(wei)(wei)阜鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),西方為(wei)(wei)(wei)晶鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),西北(bei)為(wei)(wei)(wei)魁鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)。政和七年(1112年)又(you)鑄(zhu)造了“神霄九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”,分別命名(ming)為(wei)(wei)(wei)“太極(ji)飛云洞劫之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“蒼(cang)梧祀天貯醇(chun)之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“山岳五(wu)神之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“精明洞淵之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“天地(di)陰陽之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“混沌之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“浮光洞天之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“靈光晃(huang)曜(yao)煉神之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“蒼(cang)龜大蛇蟲魚(yu)金輪之鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”。
大(da)禹鑄的九鼎是什么(me)式樣?是方是圓?是四足還是三足?鼎內外有(you)什么(me)銘文和(he)紋(wen)飾?至(zhi)今無所(suo)考(kao)稽。
唯獨《史記·趙世家》中提到九(jiu)鼎(ding)之一的雍州鼎(ding)為龍(long)文,赤(chi)色。“十(shi)八年,秦武王(wang)與孟說舉龍(long)文赤(chi)鼎(ding),絕(jue)臏(bin)而(er)死。”
宋代(dai)胡(hu)三省注《資治通鑒》曰:“八月,王與孟(meng)說(shuo)舉鼎(ding),絕(jue)(jue)脈而(er)(er)薨。脈,莫獲翻。脈者,系絡臟腑,其血理分行于支(zhi)體之間,人舉重而(er)(er)力(li)不(bu)能勝,故脈絕(jue)(jue)而(er)(er)死。按《史記(ji)·甘茂傳》云:武王至周而(er)(er)卒于周。蓋舉鼎(ding)者,舉九鼎(ding)也。《世家》以為龍文赤鼎(ding)。”
又《拾(shi)遺記(ji)》卷二載曰:“禹(yu)鑄(zhu)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding),五者(zhe)以(yi)應陽法,四(si)者(zhe)以(yi)象陰數。使工(gong)師以(yi)雌(ci)金(jin)為(wei)陰鼎(ding)(ding)(ding),以(yi)雄金(jin)為(wei)陽鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)。鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)中常滿,以(yi)占氣象之(zhi)休否。當夏桀之(zhi)世,鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)水(shui)忽沸(fei)。及周將末,九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)咸震。皆(jie)應滅亡之(zhi)兆。后世圣人,因禹(yu)之(zhi)跡,代(dai)(dai)代(dai)(dai)鑄(zhu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)焉。”
以上(shang)雄(xiong)金(jin)、雌金(jin)的(de)(de)含(han)義(yi)諸書無解,大概(gai)是(shi)指(zhi)合金(jin)的(de)(de)硬度而言。“以占氣(qi)象之(zhi)休否(fou)”就是(shi)測國運之(zhi)興衰。可見,鼎從容(rong)器(qi)、炊(chui)具、到祭(ji)器(qi)、禮器(qi)、又到寶(bao)器(qi)、神(shen)器(qi),代代演變已徹底(di)改變了實際用途,變成了國家供奉(feng)的(de)(de)神(shen)物。
大禹九鼎之紋飾(shi)雖無實物(wu)可證,據現已出(chu)土(tu)的當(dang)時(shi)陶器紋飾(shi)推測,也不外于獸面類(lei)、龍鳳類(lei)、動(dong)物(wu)類(lei)、云雷類(lei)、火類(lei)、幾何類(lei)等。
夏代的(de)(de)(de)青(qing)銅(tong)鑄(zhu)造(zao)(zao)業,已(yi)相(xiang)當發達。青(qing)銅(tong)是銅(tong)和(he)錫(xi)(xi)的(de)(de)(de)合金,熔點低,便于(yu)(yu)鑄(zhu)造(zao)(zao)冶(ye)煉(lian)。夏代的(de)(de)(de)煉(lian)銅(tong)業。古文獻中亦有(you)記載。《越絕書》卷十一日:“禹穴之時(shi),以銅(tong)為(wei)兵。”關于(yu)(yu)鑄(zhu)造(zao)(zao)九(jiu)鼎(ding),《墨(mo)子(zi)·耕柱》曰(yue):“昔日夏后開(啟(qi))使蜚廉折金于(yu)(yu)山川,而陶鑄(zhu)之于(yu)(yu)昆吾,……九(jiu)鼎(ding)既成,遷于(yu)(yu)三國(guo)。”三國(guo)指夏、商、周。《左傳》宣(xuan)公三年(nian)曰(yue):“桀(jie)有(you)昏德,鼎(ding)遷于(yu)(yu)商。”即言此事(shi)。據考古材(cai)料證明(ming),當時(shi)的(de)(de)(de)奴(nu)隸(li)在(zai)鑄(zhu)造(zao)(zao)象九(jiu)鼎(ding)這樣的(de)(de)(de)大型器件時(shi),一般是首先(xian)用(yong)質細的(de)(de)(de)泥土制(zhi)成器范,再(zai)用(yong)木炭作(zuo)燃料,用(yong)銅(tong)制(zhi)的(de)(de)(de)坩鍋(guo)冶(ye)煉(lian)銅(tong),錫(xi)(xi)礦塊,最后將銅(tong)錫(xi)(xi)溶(rong)液注(zhu)入(ru)范中,就成為(wei)青(qing)銅(tong)器。
但《左(zuo)傳》中(zhong)(zhong)談到九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)鑄造的(de)(de)(de)(de)情況是(shi)這樣的(de)(de)(de)(de):夏朝初年,大禹劃天(tian)下(xia)為九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou)(zhou),州(zhou)(zhou)設州(zhou)(zhou)牧(mu)。后夏啟令九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou)(zhou)牧(mu)貢獻青銅,鑄造九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)。事先派人把全國各州(zhou)(zhou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)名山大川、形(xing)勝(sheng)之(zhi)地、奇異之(zhi)物畫成圖冊(ce),然后派精選出來的(de)(de)(de)(de)著(zhu)名工匠(jiang),將(jiang)這些畫仿刻(ke)于九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)之(zhi)身(shen),以一(yi)鼎(ding)象(xiang)征一(yi)州(zhou)(zhou)。所刻(ke)圖形(xing)亦反映(ying)該州(zhou)(zhou)山川名勝(sheng)之(zhi)狀。九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)象(xiang)征九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou)(zhou),反映(ying)了全國的(de)(de)(de)(de)統一(yi)和王權的(de)(de)(de)(de)高度集中(zhong)(zhong),顯示夏王已成為天(tian)下(xia)之(zhi)共主(zhu),是(shi)順應(ying)“天(tian)命”的(de)(de)(de)(de)。正(zheng)所謂:“普天(tian)之(zhi)下(xia),莫(mo)非(fei)王土,率土之(zhi)濱,莫(mo)非(fei)王臣。”從(cong)此,九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou)(zhou)成為中(zhong)(zhong)國的(de)(de)(de)(de)代名詞,“定鼎(ding)”,成為全國政權建(jian)立的(de)(de)(de)(de)代名詞了。
商湯逐(zhu)走夏桀后(hou),將九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)遷(qian)至其都(dou)。盤庚定(ding)都(dou)于殷后(hou),九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)遷(qian)移至此(ci)。周武(wu)王(wang)滅商后(hou),曾公(gong)(gong)開展(zhan)示九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)。周成(cheng)王(wang)即位后(hou),周公(gong)(gong)旦營造雒(luo)邑(yi),將九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)遷(qian)至該城,依武(wu)王(wang)之愿定(ding)鼎(ding)(ding)雒(luo)邑(yi),并請(qing)成(cheng)王(wang)親自主持祭(ji)禮,將九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)安放在太廟之中(zhong)。
東周(zhou)開始后,周(zhou)朝王室(shi)衰落(luo),各諸侯(hou)開始覬覦(yu)王權。周(zhou)定王時(shi),楚(chu)(chu)莊(zhuang)王首(shou)次(ci)“問(wen)鼎之輕重”,被(bei)周(zhou)大夫王孫滿駁回。后楚(chu)(chu)靈王一度也(ye)動(dong)心(xin)問(wen)鼎,因國內發生叛亂,未(wei)果。
秦(qin)惠王(wang)時,張儀(yi)制定策略,希(xi)(xi)望(wang)能奪得九(jiu)(jiu)鼎以號令諸(zhu)侯(hou),楚頃襄(xiang)王(wang)與齊(qi)王(wang)亦(yi)希(xi)(xi)望(wang)爭奪寶鼎。周赧王(wang)周旋(xuan)兩(liang)國(guo)以及魏國(guo)、韓(han)國(guo)之間,使(shi)其(qi)相互制約,保九(jiu)(jiu)鼎不失。
關(guan)于九鼎的下落,史家眾說(shuo)紛壇,不一而足。
司(si)馬(ma)(ma)遷(qian)在(zai)他撰(zhuan)著(zhu)的(de)《史(shi)記(ji)(ji)》一(yi)書(shu)(shu)(shu)中,對九鼎(ding)(ding)的(de)記(ji)(ji)敘,就有(you)出入(ru)(ru),前(qian)后(hou)(hou)(hou)不一(yi)。如:在(zai)周、秦(qin)二“本紀”中說(shuo),秦(qin)昭襄王(wang)(wang)五十二年(nian)(公元前(qian)255年(nian)),周赧王(wang)(wang)死,秦(qin)從(cong)雒邑(yi)掠九鼎(ding)(ding)入(ru)(ru)秦(qin)。但(dan)在(zai)《封禪書(shu)(shu)(shu)》中說(shuo):“周德衰,宋之(zhi)(zhi)社亡,鼎(ding)(ding)乃淪沒,伏而不見。”由后(hou)(hou)(hou)者分(fen)析,九鼎(ding)(ding)在(zai)秦(qin)滅周之(zhi)(zhi)前(qian),即“宋之(zhi)(zhi)社亡”時,已經(jing)不見;那(nei)么(me),前(qian)者所述秦(qin)昭襄王(wang)(wang)五十二年(nian),秦(qin)從(cong)雒邑(yi)掠九鼎(ding)(ding)歸(gui)秦(qin),豈不是(shi)(shi)自相矛盾,令人費解!司(si)馬(ma)(ma)遷(qian)之(zhi)(zhi)后(hou)(hou)(hou),東漢(han)的(de)著(zhu)名史(shi)學(xue)家班(ban)固,在(zai)其所著(zhu)的(de)《漢(han)書(shu)(shu)(shu)》中,對九鼎(ding)(ding)之(zhi)(zhi)下落,采取兼收并(bing)蓄之(zhi)(zhi)法(fa),收錄了(le)司(si)馬(ma)(ma)遷(qian)的(de)上述兩說(shuo),同時,又補充了(le)一(yi)條史(shi)料,說(shuo)是(shi)(shi)在(zai)周顯王(wang)(wang)四十二年(nian),即公元前(qian)327年(nian),九鼎(ding)(ding)沉沒在(zai)彭城(今江(jiang)蘇徐州)泗水之(zhi)(zhi)下。后(hou)(hou)(hou)來秦(qin)始(shi)皇南(nan)巡之(zhi)(zhi)時,派(pai)了(le)幾千人在(zai)泗水中進行打撈,畢(bi)竟是(shi)(shi)江(jiang)水滔滔,無從(cong)覓處,只(zhi)得徒勞而返(fan)。
到了清(qing)代(dai)(dai),九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)之(zhi)下落(luo)更加難(nan)以(yi)考察尋覓(mi)。后代(dai)(dai)史家(jia)只能隨(sui)意加以(yi)揣測了。王先(xian)謙(qian)(qian)在《漢書補注·郊(jiao)祀(si)志》中(zhong)認(ren)為:東周王室(shi)在衰落(luo)的(de)過程中(zhong),已無力(li)(li)量保護(hu)自(zi)己(ji)。而戰國(guo)時期各個實力(li)(li)雄厚的(de)諸侯(hou)國(guo),卻虎(hu)視(shi)眈(dan)(dan)眈(dan)(dan),力(li)(li)圖統一(yi)中(zhong)國(guo),取周而代(dai)(dai)之(zhi)。因(yin)此(ci),象征(zheng)王權和“天命所(suo)歸”的(de)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding),自(zi)然成(cheng)為各諸侯(hou)必欲奪(duo)之(zhi)的(de)稀世國(guo)寶;加之(zhi)此(ci)時周王室(shi)財政困難(nan),入不(bu)敷出(chu),于是(shi)銷毀九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)以(yi)鑄銅錢,對(dui)外則詭稱九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)已不(bu)知去向,甚(shen)至說(shuo)其中(zhong)一(yi)鼎(ding)(ding)已東飛(fei)沉人泗水之(zhi)中(zhong),免(mian)得諸侯(hou)國(guo)興(xing)兵前(qian)來問鼎(ding)(ding),自(zi)找麻煩,王光謙(qian)(qian)的(de)說(shuo)法(fa)雖似有理,但(dan)提不(bu)出(chu)任何(he)一(yi)點(dian)史料加以(yi)證(zheng)實,因(yin)此(ci),是(shi)使人難(nan)以(yi)置信的(de)。
后世帝(di)王亦(yi)曾屢次重(zhong)鑄九鼎,以武則天萬(wan)歲通天元年(nian)和(he)宋徽宗崇寧三年(nian)兩(liang)次最為有名。
縱(zong)觀中國歷(li)(li)(li)代(dai)史籍,關于九(jiu)鼎下落(luo)的(de)(de)材料雖多,但往往自(zi)相矛盾(dun),提(ti)不出充分(fen)可(ke)靠的(de)(de)依據,不禁讓人產生疑問(wen):在(zai)地下埋藏(zang)的(de)(de)古(gu)物(wu)中,九(jiu)鼎今(jin)天(tian)(tian)究竟是否(fou)還存在(zai)?在(zai)歷(li)(li)(li)史上,根據歷(li)(li)(li)代(dai)史書記載,它確(que)實曾作為夏、商、周(zhou)三代(dai)的(de)(de)鎮國之寶,傳承了二千年;并且,從未發現過古(gu)人關于它已銷(xiao)毀的(de)(de)歷(li)(li)(li)史記載。因(yin)此,九(jiu)鼎的(de)(de)下落(luo),至今(jin)仍是一個(ge)(ge)謎。或許,今(jin)后(hou)會(hui)有揭(jie)破這個(ge)(ge)千載之謎的(de)(de)一天(tian)(tian),那可(ke)能(neng)也是九(jiu)鼎重(zhong)見天(tian)(tian)日之時。
九(jiu)鼎,作(zuo)為中國文明(ming)時代(dai)入口(kou)處的(de)一塊(kuai)里程(cheng)碑(bei),已經遺失了(le)2000多年,它(ta)們能(neng)否突然破土而(er)出(chu)呢?這是(shi)人(ren)們經常關心的(de)一個問題(ti)。
中國(guo)古(gu)代青銅工藝(yi)高度發達,傳(chuan)下了許多稀世之寶。然(ran)而(er)就歷史價值(zhi)而(er)言,卻沒(mei)有一(yi)件(jian)比得上夏朝的九鼎。后(hou)人將爭奪政權稱(cheng)為(wei)(wei)“定鼎”,就是因為(wei)(wei)三代以來,九鼎一(yi)直被視(shi)為(wei)(wei)王權象征(zheng)的緣故。
關于鑄(zhu)造(zao)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding),《墨子·耕柱》曰:“昔日夏(xia)后開(啟(qi))......九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)既(ji)成,遷(qian)于三(san)國(guo)。”三(san)國(guo)指夏(xia)、商、周。根據《左(zuo)傳(chuan)》宣(xuan)公三(san)年(公元前(qian)606年)的記(ji)載,夏(xia)朝(chao)初年,令九(jiu)(jiu)州州牧貢銅(tong),鑄(zhu)造(zao)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding),事先將全國(guo)各(ge)地山川奇(qi)異(yi)之物畫(hua)成圖形,然后分別(bie)刻于鼎(ding)身。九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)鑄(zhu)成后,陳列于宮門之外,使人(ren)們一(yi)看便(bian)知(zhi)道(dao)所去之處,有哪些鬼神精怪,以避(bi)兇(xiong)就吉(ji),據說此舉深得(de)上天的贊美,因而(er)夏(xia)朝(chao)獲得(de)了天帝(di)的保佑(you)。
九(jiu)(jiu)鼎一出世,就蒙(meng)上了一層神(shen)秘色彩。其實,透(tou)過神(shen)話因素,就不難(nan)看出它的(de)政治價值。再以九(jiu)(jiu)州之銅鑄成九(jiu)(jiu)鼎,再以九(jiu)(jiu)鼎象(xiang)征九(jiu)(jiu)州,無非是要表明(ming)自己乃九(jiu)(jiu)州之主,實現了天下一統。
此后,九(jiu)鼎便成了(le)三代傳國之(zhi)(zhi)寶。夏亡(wang)之(zhi)(zhi)后,鼎遷(qian)于商,商亡(wang)之(zhi)(zhi)后,鼎遷(qian)于周。周成王正(zheng)式定(ding)鼎于郟(今河(he)南洛陽境內),表明天命之(zhi)(zhi)所歸(gui)。
春秋時期,隨著王室力量的(de)(de)衰落,強大(da)的(de)(de)諸侯對九(jiu)鼎(ding)便產生了覬覦之(zhi)心。公元前606年,春秋五霸之(zhi)一的(de)(de)楚莊王,在整飭內政(zheng),興修水利,厲行(xing)改革,國富兵強的(de)(de)形勢之(zhi)下,興兵攻擊陸渾之(zhi)戎,逼近雒邑(yi)的(de)(de)郊外(wai),周定王被迫派人為他舉(ju)行(xing)慰勞(lao)歡迎之(zhi)禮,莊王“問鼎(ding)小大(da)輕重”,表明了他有滅周的(de)(de)野心。從此,后人將爭奪政(zheng)權,稱(cheng)之(zhi)為“問鼎(ding)”。
《戰(zhan)國(guo)策》開篇東周(zhou)策一(yi)《秦興師臨周(zhou)求九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)章》就記載(zai)了(le)秦要(yao)侵略周(zhou)奪取(qu)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)的故事(shi)。周(zhou)人顏率有(you)謀(mou)略,先鼓動齊(qi)國(guo)幫助驅秦,答應把(ba)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)給齊(qi)國(guo),齊(qi)國(guo)來要(yao),顏率便問齊(qi)王(wang)走(zou)哪條路,結(jie)果都不(bu)合(he)適,還(huan)說九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)九(jiu)個(ge),一(yi)個(ge)要(yao)用九(jiu)萬人,九(jiu)九(jiu)八十一(yi)萬人方全能拉走(zou),顏率又說:“今大(da)王(wang)縱有(you)其人,何途(tu)之(zhi)從而(er)出?臣(chen)竊為大(da)王(wang)私憂之(zhi)。”齊(qi)王(wang)曰(yue):“子(zi)之(zhi)數來者,猶(you)無與耳。”顏率曰(yue):“不(bu)敢(gan)欺(qi)大(da)國(guo),疾定所從出,弊邑遷鼎(ding)(ding)以待命。”齊(qi)王(wang)就不(bu)再(zai)提拉九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)的事(shi)了(le)。從這里看(kan)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)真夠重的,不(bu)過(guo)一(yi)定有(you)夸張,但從這個(ge)文(wen)獻看(kan),九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)一(yi)定很重,還(huan)是(shi)九(jiu)個(ge)。
《史(shi)記(ji)(ji)·周(zhou)本(ben)紀(ji)》:“定王元年,楚莊(zhuang)王伐陸渾(hun)之戎,次(ci)洛,使人(ren)問九鼎(ding)。王使王孫滿應(ying)設以(yi)辭,楚兵乃(nai)去(qu)。”《史(shi)記(ji)(ji)·封禪書》:“禹收九牧之金,鑄九鼎(ding)。皆(jie)嘗(chang)亨(heng)鬺(shang)上帝鬼(gui)神(shen)。遭圣則興,鼎(ding)遷(qian)于夏商。周(zhou)德(de)衰(shuai),宋之社亡,鼎(ding)乃(nai)淪沒,伏而不見。”《史(shi)記(ji)(ji)·孝武本(ben)紀(ji)》:“禹收九牧之金,鑄九鼎(ding),皆(jie)嘗(chang)鬺(shang)烹上帝鬼(gui)神(shen)。”后亦以(yi)九鼎(ding)借指(zhi)國柄。
南(nan)朝(chao)宋謝瞻《張子(zi)房詩》:“力政吞(tun)九鼎,苛(ke)慝暴(bao)三殤(shang)。”
宋楊萬里《讀嚴子(zi)陵傳(chuan)》詩:“早遣阿瞞(man)移九鼎,人間何處(chu)有嚴陵。”
明馮夢龍《東周列(lie)國(guo)志》第五(wu)十(shi)一回:“寡人(ren)聞大(da)禹(yu)鑄有九鼎(ding),三代相傳,以為世寶(bao),今在雒陽。不知鼎(ding)形大(da)小與其輕重何如?寡人(ren)愿一聞之!”
清龔自珍《妙法蓮(lian)華經四十二問》:“諸經有(you)《法華》,王者之(zhi)有(you)九(jiu)鼎,家(jia)業(ye)之(zhi)有(you)總帳(zhang)簿也。”
三國魏曹丕《與鐘繇五(wu)熟釜書》:"昔有黃三鼎﹐周之九寶﹐咸以一體﹐使調一味。"詳"九鼎"。
《史記·平原君虞卿列(lie)傳(chuan)》:“毛(mao)先生一至(zhi)楚(chu),而使(shi)趙重(zhong)於九鼎(ding)大呂。”司(si)馬貞索隱:“言毛(mao)遂至(zhi)楚(chu),使(shi)趙重(zhong)於九鼎(ding)大呂,言為天下所重(zhong)也。”
宋(song)黃庭(ting)堅《次(ci)韻(yun)答叔原會寂(ji)照(zhao)房(fang)呈(cheng)稚川》:“聲名九鼎重,冠蓋萬夫望。”
明張煌(huang)言《懷古》詩:“人定能勝天,一言重九鼎。”
1912年國(guo)民(min)政(zheng)府建立,陸軍部制定《勛(xun)章章程》,規定勛(xun)章種(zhong)(zhong)類為(wei)九鼎(ding)虎(hu)羆醒獅三種(zhong)(zhong),每種(zhong)(zhong)各分九等。此后還公布過(guo)一些勛(xun)章,國(guo)民(min)政(zheng)府奠都南京(jing)后,上述勛(xun)章全(quan)部廢止。
1、相傳夏禹(yu)鑄九鼎,象(xiang)征(zheng)(zheng)九州,夏商周三代(dai)奉為象(xiang)征(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)家政權的傳國(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)寶。戰國(guo)時,秦楚皆有(you)興師到周都雒(luo)陽問鼎之(zhi)(zhi)事。周顯王時,九鼎沒於(wu)泗水下。唐武后(hou)、宋徽(hui)宗也曾鑄九鼎。
①《史記·周本(ben)紀》:“定王(wang)(wang)元年,楚莊(zhuang)王(wang)(wang)伐陸渾之戎,次(ci)洛,使人問九鼎。王(wang)(wang)使王(wang)(wang)孫(sun)滿應(ying)設以辭(ci),楚兵乃去。”
②《史記(ji)·封禪(chan)書》:“禹收九牧之金,鑄(zhu)九鼎。皆嘗亨鬺上帝鬼(gui)神。遭圣(sheng)則(ze)興,鼎遷于夏商(shang)。周(zhou)德衰,宋之社亡,鼎乃淪沒,伏而不見(jian)。”
③《史(shi)記·孝武本紀》:“禹收九(jiu)牧之金,鑄九(jiu)鼎,皆嘗鬺烹上帝鬼神。”后亦以九(jiu)鼎借指(zhi)國柄。
④南朝宋(song)謝瞻《張(zhang)子(zi)房詩(shi)》:“力政吞九鼎(ding),苛慝暴三(san)殤(shang)。”
⑤宋楊萬(wan)里《讀嚴(yan)子陵傳》詩:“早遣阿瞞移九鼎,人間何(he)處有(you)嚴(yan)陵。”
⑥明馮夢龍《東周列國志》第(di)五十一(yi)回:“寡人聞(wen)大禹鑄有九鼎(ding),三代相傳,以(yi)為世寶(bao),今在雒陽。不(bu)知(zhi)鼎(ding)形大小與其輕重(zhong)何(he)如(ru)?寡人愿一(yi)聞(wen)之!”
⑦清龔(gong)自珍(zhen)《妙法蓮華(hua)經四十二問》:“諸(zhu)經有(you)《法華(hua)》,王者之有(you)九(jiu)鼎,家業之有(you)總(zong)帳簿也。”
⑧三(san)國魏曹丕《與鐘繇(zhou)五熟釜書》:"昔有黃三(san)鼎﹐周之九寶﹐咸(xian)以一體(ti)﹐使調一味。"詳"九鼎"。
⑨《文選·陸機》:“在周之衰,難(nan)興王室(shi),放(fang)命者七(qi)臣,干位(wei)者三子(zi),嗣王委其九鼎,兇族(zu)據其天邑,鉦鼙震(zhen)於閫宇(yu),鋒鏑(di)流乎絳闕,然禍止畿甸(dian),害不覃(tan)及。”劉良注(zhu):“畿甸(dian),近國也。”
2、喻分量重。
①《史(shi)記(ji)·平原君虞卿列傳》:“毛(mao)先生一至(zhi)楚,而(er)使趙重於九鼎(ding)大呂。”司馬貞索(suo)隱:“言(yan)(yan)毛(mao)遂至(zhi)楚,使趙重於九鼎(ding)大呂,言(yan)(yan)為天(tian)下所重也(ye)。”
②宋黃庭(ting)堅《次韻答叔原會寂照(zhao)房呈稚(zhi)川》:“聲名九鼎重,冠蓋萬夫望。”
③明(ming)張煌言(yan)《懷古》詩:“人(ren)定(ding)能勝天,一言(yan)重九鼎(ding)。”