歸順劉秀
耿弇(yan)的父(fu)親耿況,曾與王莽(mang)從弟王伋同學,后為(wei)朔調(diao)連率(即上谷太守)。耿弇(yan)少(shao)年(nian)時(shi)期以勤奮(fen)好(hao)學著稱。常見郡中(zhong)歲終舉行郡試(shi),講武練(lian)兵(bing),由衷愛好(hao),因而學習騎射(she),喜好(hao)兵(bing)法。
更(geng)始(shi)(shi)元年(23),劉(liu)玄建立更(geng)始(shi)(shi)政權,派(pai)遣將領(ling)占據各(ge)地,其中有(you)人(ren)憑借權勢撤換了一(yi)些(xie)郡(jun)縣(xian)的太守縣(xian)令。耿(geng)(geng)況因(yin)是(shi)王莽(mang)任命的官(guan)員,心(xin)中非常(chang)不安,命年方二十一(yi)歲的耿(geng)(geng)弇去(qu)朝見劉(liu)玄,貢獻方物(wu),以圖鞏(gong)固自(zi)己的地位。耿(geng)(geng)弇從上(shang)谷南行至宋子縣(xian),適逢王郎自(zi)稱漢成(cheng)帝之子劉(liu)子輿(yu),在邯鄲(dan)起(qi)事(shi)。隨從耿(geng)(geng)弇的上(shang)谷郡(jun)吏孫倉(cang)、衛包信以為真,遂投奔王郎。耿(geng)(geng)弇因(yin)長安道路阻隔,聽說更(geng)始(shi)(shi)大司馬劉(liu)秀(xiu)在盧奴,乃北(bei)上(shang)晉見,被任命為門下吏。耿(geng)(geng)弇請(qing)求回上(shang)谷發兵攻(gong)取邯鄲(dan),劉(liu)秀(xiu)笑道:“小(xiao)小(xiao)年紀(ji)竟(jing)有(you)大志啊!”因(yin)此數次召見他并(bing)加恩慰。
不久(jiu),劉(liu)(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)北(bei)至薊城(cheng)。后來,劉(liu)(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)聽說邯鄲派兵來薊,欲要(yao)南下(xia),召(zhao)集(ji)官(guan)屬商議。耿弇道(dao):“漁陽太守(shou)彭寵(chong),是(shi)(shi)您的同鄉(xiang);上(shang)谷太守(shou),是(shi)(shi)我的父親。發動這兩郡(jun)人(ren)馬(ma),有萬騎之眾,邯鄲是(shi)(shi)容易奪取的。”劉(liu)(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)官(guan)屬都不愿北(bei)行,劉(liu)(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)卻(que)指著耿弇道(dao):“這是(shi)(shi)我的北(bei)道(dao)主人(ren)。”恰巧這時薊城(cheng)騷(sao)亂,劉(liu)(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)匆忙南下(xia),官(guan)屬各自分(fen)散(san)。
平定河北
更始二(er)(er)年(24),耿(geng)(geng)弇回到昌平,勸說(shuo)父(fu)親(qin)耿(geng)(geng)況歸(gui)附劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)。耿(geng)(geng)況派(pai)寇恂(xun)前(qian)往漁(yu)陽(yang),約同漁(yu)陽(yang)太(tai)守彭(peng)寵發兵(bing)支持劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu),二(er)(er)郡(jun)各發騎兵(bing)二(er)(er)千、步兵(bing)一千。于(yu)是,耿(geng)(geng)弇、寇恂(xun)、景丹率上(shang)谷兵(bing)與(yu)吳漢所率漁(yu)陽(yang)兵(bing)會師南下,沿途擊斬王郎的大(da)將、九卿、校尉以下四百余人(ren),攻(gong)取涿郡(jun)、中山、巨鹿(lu)、清河(he)、河(he)間所屬二(er)(er)十二(er)(er)縣,終于(yu)在(zai)廣阿追上(shang)了劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)。這時,劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)正在(zai)進攻(gong)王郎,見二(er)(er)郡(jun)兵(bing)馬前(qian)來(lai)非常高興,封(feng)耿(geng)(geng)況為大(da)將軍(jun)(jun)、歸(gui)義侯,耿(geng)(geng)弇、吳漢等(deng)人(ren)皆為偏將軍(jun)(jun)。此(ci)后,耿(geng)(geng)弇等(deng)人(ren)隨(sui)劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)攻(gong)克(ke)邯鄲。
劉(liu)玄(xuan)見劉(liu)秀聲威日盛,對他(ta)產生(sheng)疑忌,于(yu)(yu)(yu)是遣(qian)使(shi)者(zhe)立其為(wei)(wei)蕭王(wang)(wang),令(ling)他(ta)罷兵(bing)率領部下(xia)(xia)將(jiang)士(shi)回(hui)長安,又派(pai)遣(qian)苗曾(ceng)為(wei)(wei)幽州牧,韋順為(wei)(wei)上谷太守,蔡充為(wei)(wei)漁陽(yang)太守,企圖瓦解劉(liu)秀在(zai)(zai)河北的勢力。當(dang)時劉(liu)秀居住(zhu)于(yu)(yu)(yu)邯鄲(dan)宮溫明(ming)殿,耿弇前至床前道:“今(jin)更始失政,君臣(chen)淫(yin)亂(luan),諸將(jiang)在(zai)(zai)京畿(ji)之內(nei)擅作(zuo)威福(fu),王(wang)(wang)公(gong)貴(gui)戚(qi)們在(zai)(zai)京都縱橫(heng)暴虐。天(tian)子(zi)之命,出不(bu)(bu)了城門(men),下(xia)(xia)面的州牧郡(jun)守,動不(bu)(bu)動就被遷徙更換,百(bai)姓不(bu)(bu)知所從,士(shi)民莫敢(gan)自安。虜掠(lve)財物(wu),劫掠(lve)婦(fu)女,懷有金玉的大(da)富顯貴(gui),沒(mei)有能生(sheng)還的。平(ping)(ping)民百(bai)姓捶胸頓足,反而(er)更加(jia)思念王(wang)(wang)莽。又有銅馬、赤眉(mei)等(deng)起義軍,擁眾數十百(bai)萬,更始不(bu)(bu)能剿(jiao)滅。更始的失敗為(wei)(wei)期(qi)不(bu)(bu)遠。您首舉義旗于(yu)(yu)(yu)南(nan)陽(yang),破百(bai)萬之軍;今(jin)平(ping)(ping)定(ding)(ding)河北,據(ju)有天(tian)府之地。以(yi)大(da)義討(tao)伐,發(fa)出號(hao)令(ling),群起響應,天(tian)下(xia)(xia)只要傳檄就可平(ping)(ping)定(ding)(ding)。天(tian)下(xia)(xia)是最為(wei)(wei)重要的,不(bu)(bu)可讓外(wai)姓人得到。聽說有使(shi)者(zhe)從西方來,要你罷兵(bing),千(qian)萬別(bie)聽。今(jin)官吏士(shi)卒死亡的多,我愿回(hui)幽州去,增發(fa)精兵(bing),以(yi)成大(da)計。”
劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)聽(ting)了十(shi)分高興,拜耿(geng)(geng)弇為大將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun),令他(ta)與(yu)吳(wu)漢北(bei)上征(zheng)發幽(you)州(zhou)十(shi)郡兵(bing)馬(ma)。耿(geng)(geng)弇到上谷(gu),斬(zhan)殺韋順(shun)、蔡充,吳(wu)漢也殺掉苗(miao)曾。不久,耿(geng)(geng)弇率(lv)幽(you)州(zhou)兵(bing)南下,隨劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)轉戰河北(bei),擊破銅(tong)馬(ma)、高湖、青犢(du)、赤眉(mei)、尤來(lai)、五幡、大槍等各(ge)路(lu)農民軍(jun),耿(geng)(geng)弇經常(chang)率(lv)精騎為前鋒,屢立(li)戰功。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)回薊(ji)之后,耿(geng)(geng)弇與(yu)吳(wu)漢、景(jing)丹(dan)、蓋延、朱祐、邳(pi)彤(tong)、耿(geng)(geng)純(chun)、劉(liu)(liu)植(zhi)、岑彭(peng)、祭遵、王(wang)霸(ba)、陳俊、堅鐔(tan)、馬(ma)武十(shi)三將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)繼續(xu)追擊農民軍(jun)殘(can)部(bu),在(zai)潞東、平谷(gu),連續(xu)重創敵(di)軍(jun),斬(zhan)首一萬三千(qian)余級,最后一直追到右北(bei)平郡的無終縣(xian)(今(jin)(jin)天津薊(ji)縣(xian))、土垠縣(xian)(今(jin)(jin)河北(bei)豐潤(run)縣(xian))、俊靡(今(jin)(jin)河北(bei)遵化市),將(jiang)(jiang)農民軍(jun)殘(can)部(bu)消滅得干干凈(jing)凈(jing)。
橫掃齊魯
建武(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)元(yuan)年(nian)(25),劉(liu)秀(xiu)稱(cheng)帝。耿(geng)(geng)弇拜建威大(da)將軍,與(yu)(yu)(yu)景丹(dan)、陳俊(jun)攻破(po)厭新(xin)賊。建武(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)二(er)年(nian)(26),耿(geng)(geng)弇封(feng)(feng)好畤侯,食邑兩(liang)縣(xian)。建武(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)三年(nian)(27),延(yan)岑(cen)自(zi)漢中出(chu)武(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)關,侵擾南陽各縣(xian),攻破(po)數城。耿(geng)(geng)弇率(lv)軍與(yu)(yu)(yu)延(yan)岑(cen)大(da)戰于(yu)穰縣(xian),大(da)敗(bai)(bai)敵(di)軍,斬首(shou)三千余(yu)級(ji)、俘(fu)獲五(wu)千余(yu)人,繳獲印綬(shou)三百。延(yan)岑(cen)率(lv)數騎逃奔東陽,與(yu)(yu)(yu)秦豐合兵(bing)一處。此(ci)時,彭寵攻陷薊城,自(zi)稱(cheng)燕王(wang),涿郡太守張(zhang)豐起(qi)兵(bing)響應。耿(geng)(geng)弇擊敗(bai)(bai)延(yan)岑(cen)后,隨劉(liu)秀(xiu)至舂陵,請求“定彭寵于(yu)漁陽,取張(zhang)豐于(yu)涿郡,還收富(fu)平(ping)、獲索(suo),東攻張(zhang)步,以(yi)平(ping)齊地”。劉(liu)秀(xiu)甚為(wei)嘉許(xu)。建武(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)四年(nian)(28),劉(liu)秀(xiu)命(ming)耿(geng)(geng)弇進(jin)攻漁陽。耿(geng)(geng)弇因父親耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)曾(ceng)與(yu)(yu)(yu)彭寵有(you)交情,又沒有(you)家(jia)屬留在洛(luo)陽,恐怕引起(qi)疑心,上書請求回還洛(luo)陽。劉(liu)秀(xiu)下詔(zhao)要(yao)他(ta)放心,并命(ming)他(ta)與(yu)(yu)(yu)王(wang)常一起(qi)屯兵(bing)涿郡。耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)聞知命(ming)耿(geng)(geng)國(guo)到洛(luo)陽侍候天子,以(yi)表忠心。劉(liu)秀(xiu)進(jin)封(feng)(feng)耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)為(wei)隃麋侯,命(ming)耿(geng)(geng)弇與(yu)(yu)(yu)建義大(da)將軍朱祐、漢忠將軍王(wang)常等進(jin)攻望都、故安(an)等地十余(yu)營壘,都攻破(po)了。建武(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)五(wu)年(nian)(29),耿(geng)(geng)弇與(yu)(yu)(yu)大(da)司(si)馬(ma)吳(wu)漢迫降平(ping)原地區的富(fu)平(ping)、獲索(suo)兩(liang)支農民軍。劉(liu)秀(xiu)遂命(ming)耿(geng)(geng)弇進(jin)討張(zhang)步。
耿(geng)弇收(shou)集降兵(bing)(bing)和(he)部曲、任(ren)命官吏,率騎都尉劉(liu)歆、太(tai)山(shan)太(tai)守陳俊率兵(bing)(bing)東進,從朝陽橋渡(du)(du)河(he)。張步(bu)得知,派(pai)大將軍(jun)(jun)費(fei)(fei)(fei)邑(yi)屯(tun)軍(jun)(jun)歷(li)下,又分兵(bing)(bing)屯(tun)祝阿(a),又在(zai)太(tai)山(shan)鐘城列數十座軍(jun)(jun)營待耿(geng)弇來攻。耿(geng)弇渡(du)(du)過黃河(he)后(hou)先攻取祝阿(a),圍(wei)城時(shi)故意留一角,使祝阿(a)人逃(tao)(tao)奔鐘城。鐘城兵(bing)(bing)民(min)聞祝阿(a)失守,紛(fen)紛(fen)逃(tao)(tao)奔,于是漢(han)軍(jun)(jun)不戰而取得了(le)(le)鐘城要塞。費(fei)(fei)(fei)邑(yi)又派(pai)其(qi)弟費(fei)(fei)(fei)敢(gan)把守要隘巨(ju)(ju)里(li)(地名(ming))。耿(geng)弇令軍(jun)(jun)中修理攻具,揚言三日后(hou)攻巨(ju)(ju)里(li),引(yin)誘(you)費(fei)(fei)(fei)邑(yi)前來救援。費(fei)(fei)(fei)邑(yi)果然統率三萬(wan)精兵(bing)(bing)前來,耿(geng)弇留三千人圍(wei)巨(ju)(ju)里(li),自率精兵(bing)(bing)埋伏(fu)山(shan)坡(po)兩側,當費(fei)(fei)(fei)邑(yi)兵(bing)(bing)到,居高臨(lin)下沖潰敵軍(jun)(jun),斬殺費(fei)(fei)(fei)邑(yi),把費(fei)(fei)(fei)邑(yi)的(de)首(shou)級(ji)向巨(ju)(ju)里(li)城守兵(bing)(bing)展示,城中守兵(bing)(bing)驚懼,費(fei)(fei)(fei)敢(gan)率眾逃(tao)(tao)歸(gui)張步(bu)。然后(hou),耿(geng)弇縱兵(bing)(bing)掃蕩(dang)未降的(de)殘兵(bing)(bing)四十余營,一舉(ju)平定了(le)(le)濟(ji)南郡。
當時張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步定都于劇縣(今(jin)山(shan)東(dong)昌樂縣西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)),耿(geng)弇攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)克濟南郡后,進逼劇城(cheng)(cheng)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步派其(qi)弟張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)率領精兵二(er)萬(wan)駐守(shou)(shou)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)北的(de)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an),各郡太守(shou)(shou)所(suo)部萬(wan)余人駐守(shou)(shou)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi),相(xiang)距四十余里(li)。耿(geng)弇進軍畫(hua)中(地(di)名),處在(zai)二(er)城(cheng)(cheng)之間。耿(geng)弇見(jian)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)城(cheng)(cheng)小而(er)堅固,張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)部下(xia)(xia)多是精兵,易守(shou)(shou)難攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong),臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)雖大而(er)易攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong),便準備采取聲東(dong)擊西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)的(de)策略,揚言五日后將攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)聞知(zhi)后,日夜(ye)警戒嚴守(shou)(shou)。到(dao)了(le)(le)后四日夜(ye)半(ban),耿(geng)弇卻命諸(zhu)將半(ban)夜(ye)出發,至天明趕(gan)到(dao)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)下(xia)(xia)。護軍荀梁等認為應(ying)速攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)。耿(geng)弇道(dao):“西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)聽(ting)說我們要攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)它,日夜(ye)作(zuo)了(le)(le)準備;臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)出其(qi)不意而(er)到(dao),必(bi)定驚擾,我攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)它一天就能(neng)拿(na)下(xia)(xia)。攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)下(xia)(xia)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)就孤立了(le)(le),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)與(yu)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步隔絕,必(bi)定再逃亡(wang)而(er)去,這就是擊一而(er)得二(er)的(de)良計。若先(xian)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an),一時不能(neng)破城(cheng)(cheng),屯兵在(zai)堅城(cheng)(cheng)之下(xia)(xia),死傷必(bi)多,即使能(neng)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)下(xia)(xia),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)引軍還奔臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi),合并兵力,坐觀虛實,我深入(ru)敵地(di),后面糧草供應(ying)不上,十日之間,不戰而(er)困了(le)(le)。諸(zhu)君的(de)意見(jian),不見(jian)得合適。”于是進攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi),半(ban)天便破城(cheng)(cheng),進據城(cheng)(cheng)內(nei)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)聽(ting)到(dao)后率部逃歸劇縣。
耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)命令軍(jun)中(zhong)不得妄自(zi)侵(qin)掠劇縣(xian),必須等(deng)到(dao)(dao)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)到(dao)(dao)了才進攻(gong)劇縣(xian),以(yi)激怒(nu)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)聽到(dao)(dao)后大笑說(shuo):“以(yi)尤來、大彤(tong)十多(duo)萬眾,我都(dou)(dou)就其營(ying)(ying)而打(da)敗他(ta)。今(jin)天(tian)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)比他(ta)們少,又都(dou)(dou)疲(pi)勞,有(you)什么可怕呢!”于是與三弟(di)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍、張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)弘、張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)壽(shou)及(ji)大彤(tong)大帥重(zhong)異(yi)等(deng)率(lv)(lv)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)到(dao)(dao)臨淄(zi)大城東,欲攻(gong)打(da)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)先(xian)出淄(zi)水,與重(zhong)異(yi)相(xiang)遇,故意(yi)示弱以(yi)盛(sheng)其氣(qi)焰,回(hui)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)小城,陳兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)城內(nei)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)氣(qi)盛(sheng),直(zhi)攻(gong)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)營(ying)(ying)地,與劉(liu)歆等(deng)大戰(zhan)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)登上王宮的壞(huai)臺觀(guan)看,又自(zi)率(lv)(lv)精(jing)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)從(cong)側面突擊(ji)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)陣,大破張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)。戰(zhan)中(zhong),飛矢射中(zhong)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)股部,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)用佩刀(dao)斬斷箭矢,左右(you)都(dou)(dou)不知(zhi)道耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)中(zhong)了箭矢。次日早晨,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)又勒兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)出戰(zhan)。當時劉(liu)秀在魯(lu),得知(zhi)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)被張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)所攻(gong),正親自(zi)趕來援助耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)。陳俊(jun)對耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“劇賊兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)強盛(sheng),可暫時閉營(ying)(ying)休養士卒,以(yi)等(deng)待皇帝(di)到(dao)(dao)來。”耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“天(tian)子(zi)將(jiang)到(dao)(dao),臣子(zi)應殺(sha)牛灑酒以(yi)等(deng)待百(bai)官的到(dao)(dao)來,反而還(huan)要以(yi)賊虜來麻(ma)煩(fan)君上嗎?”于是出兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)大戰(zhan),自(zi)清晨至黃昏,再(zai)次大破張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)軍(jun),殺(sha)傷無數。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)知(zhi)道張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)困將(jiang)退(tui),預先(xian)設置左右(you)兩(liang)(liang)翼伏(fu)(fu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)以(yi)待。到(dao)(dao)深夜(ye),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)果然引兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)退(tui)去(qu),兩(liang)(liang)翼伏(fu)(fu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)奮(fen)起(qi)縱擊(ji),追到(dao)(dao)鉅昧水,八九十里死(si)尸(shi)相(xiang)連(lian),收得輜重(zhong)兩(liang)(liang)千多(duo)輛(liang)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)逃(tao)回(hui)劇縣(xian),兄弟(di)各自(zi)分兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)散去(qu)。
幾日后,劉秀(xiu)親自到(dao)臨淄勞軍。群臣大會,劉秀(xiu)盛贊耿弇(yan),并將其與韓信相比(bi)。不久(jiu),耿弇(yan)再次(ci)追擊(ji)張步。張步逃到(dao)平壽(shou),脫去(qu)上(shang)衣身負斧锧請罪(zui)于(yu)軍門。耿弇(yan)送(song)張步到(dao)行在,而勒(le)兵進據其城,收(shou)降(jiang)(jiang)張步的兵眾十余萬(wan),輜重七(qi)千余兩(liang),全部(bu)遣(qian)散他們回鄉。后來。耿弇(yan)再引兵至城陽(yang),收(shou)降(jiang)(jiang)五校余黨,平定齊地,凱旋回京。
征討隴右
建武六年(30),耿弇西(xi)拒隗囂(xiao),劉(liu)秀(xiu)命耿弇等七將軍從(cong)隴道(dao)伐蜀(shu),耿弇屯(tun)兵于漆縣。
建武八年(32),耿(geng)弇(yan)又隨劉秀(xiu)進(jin)攻隴(long)右,耿(geng)弇(yan)與虎牙(ya)大將軍蓋延圍上(shang)邽。
建武(wu)九年(nian)(33),耿(geng)弇與中(zhong)郎將來歙分兵平定(ding)安(an)定(ding)、北地諸營堡。
建(jian)武十年(nian)(34),耿弇與來歙(she)、蓋延等(deng)攻(gong)破落門,隗純投降。
晚年生活
建武十三年(37),劉秀命增加耿弇(yan)的食邑。不久,耿弇(yan)上繳(jiao)大將軍印綬,以列(lie)侯(hou)身份列(lie)席朝會(hui)。劉秀每遇四方有不同(tong)意見,經常召見耿弇(yan)顧問籌策。
永平元年(nian)(58),耿弇(yan)病逝,年(nian)五(wu)十(shi)六歲,謚(shi)曰愍侯。
總評
在東征的(de)一(yi)系列戰役(yi)中(zhong),耿弇(yan)(yan)充(chong)分顯(xian)示了(le)(le)他的(de)軍事才能。在各個(ge)戰役(yi)中(zhong),他采(cai)用了(le)(le)心理戰、攻(gong)堅(jian)戰、圍城(cheng)打援、聲(sheng)東擊(ji)西、避強擊(ji)弱等(deng)一(yi)系列戰術,而且運(yun)用巧妙(miao),每戰必(bi)勝(sheng)。耿弇(yan)(yan)是一(yi)個(ge)難得的(de)勇(yong)將,在自身(shen)中(zhong)箭(jian)負傷的(de)情況(kuang)下,鎮定自若,繼續(xu)激勵部下戰斗,充(chong)分顯(xian)示出將帥的(de)風度。
歷代評價
范曄在(zai)《后漢書(shu)》中,將(jiang)耿弇獨列一傳,并評價道:
弇凡所平郡(jun)四(si)十(shi)六(liu),屠城三百,未嘗挫折。
論(lun)曰:淮(huai)陰廷論(lun)項王,審料成埶,則知(zhi)高祖之廟(miao)勝(sheng)矣(yi)。耿(geng)弇決策(ce)河(he)北,定計南陽(yang),亦見光(guang)武之業成矣(yi)。然弇自克拔全齊,而無復尺寸功。夫豈不懷?將時(shi)之度數,不足以(yi)相容乎(hu)?三(san)世為將,道家所(suo)忌,而耿(geng)氏累葉以(yi)功名自終。將其(qi)(qi)用兵欲以(yi)殺止殺乎(hu)?何其(qi)(qi)獨能隆(long)也(ye)!
贊曰:好(hao)畤經武,能(neng)(neng)畫能(neng)(neng)兵(bing)。往收燕卒,來集漢營。請閑趙殿,釃酒(jiu)齊城。
劉秀(xiu):昔(xi)韓(han)信破歷下以開基,今(jin)將軍(jun)攻(gong)祝(zhu)阿以發跡,此皆齊之西(xi)界,功(gong)(gong)足相方(fang)。而(er)韓(han)信襲擊已降,將軍(jun)獨(du)拔勁敵(di),其功(gong)(gong)乃難于信也(ye)。
慕(mu)容(rong)鐘(zhong):昔(xi)韓信以裨將伐(fa)齊(qi),有(you)征無戰;耿弇以偏軍(jun)討步,克不移朔。
《十七史百將傳》:“孫子曰:‘善(shan)戰(zhan)者,致(zhi)人(ren)而(er)不致(zhi)于(yu)人(ren)。’弇逼巨里(li)而(er)致(zhi)費邑(yi)。又曰:‘善(shan)攻者,敵不知(zhi)其所守。’弇攻西安而(er)拔臨淄是也。”
洪(hong)邁(mai):耿弇與光武同討王郎,愿(yuan)歸幽州(zhou),益發精兵(bing),定(ding)彭寵,取張豐,還收富平、獲索(suo),東攻張步,以平齊地,帝常以為落落難合(he),而(er)事竟成。
陳元靚:弱(ruo)冠(guan)稱兵(bing),時惟(wei)好矣。附翼攀鱗,風(feng)飛(fei)云起。力贊真人,身(shen)先突(tu)騎。底定三秦,淮陰之比。
徐鈞:馳(chi)召蕭王命罷兵,獻(xian)謀懷貳(er)見(jian)尤明。平(ping)齊(qi)定趙基圖(tu)壯,有(you)志方知事竟成。
葉居升:世間奇才(cai),罕有如顏(yan)回、耿(geng)弇(yan)、鄧(deng)禹者,固未可拘于常法。
王夫之:光武所與興者(zhe),南陽崛起之流輩,而其收河(he)北以為(wei)根本(ben),則唯得耿弇、寇恂(xun)、吳漢而大業定(ding)。
鄭(zheng)觀(guan)應:古之所謂將才者(zhe),曰(yue)(yue)(yue)儒將、曰(yue)(yue)(yue)大(da)將、曰(yue)(yue)(yue)才將、曰(yue)(yue)(yue)戰將。孫臏、吳起、白起、耿弇、楊素、慕容紹宗(zong)、李光(guang)弼、馬燧等,才將也。
李(li)景星:淮陰無基可(ke)藉,弇(yan)則有業(ye)可(ke)承;淮陰誅及本(ben)身,弇(yan)則榮施后(hou)世。論(lun)其始終,適成反對(dui)(dui);至其建功立業(ye),兩(liang)人如出(chu)一轍。……弇(yan)入造床下請(qing)間(jian)說(shuo)光武,則淮陰登壇之對(dui)(dui)也(ye);弇(yan)到(dao)上谷收斬韋順、蔡充(chong),則淮陰鹵豹之謀也(ye);弇(yan)進討(tao)張步,以次削平齊地,則淮陰破趙服燕,終于(yu)定齊之功也(ye)。
蔡東藩:耿弇諸將,能諫阻光武之赦奉(feng),不知諫阻光武之封吾,其亦一得一失也(ye)歟(yu)!