歸順劉秀
耿(geng)弇的父親耿(geng)況(kuang),曾與王莽從弟王伋(ji)同學(xue),后為(wei)朔調連率(即上(shang)谷太(tai)守)。耿(geng)弇少年(nian)時期以勤奮好學(xue)著稱。常見(jian)郡(jun)中歲終舉(ju)行郡(jun)試,講武練兵,由衷(zhong)愛好,因而學(xue)習騎(qi)射,喜(xi)好兵法。
更(geng)始(shi)元年(23),劉(liu)玄建立更(geng)始(shi)政權,派(pai)遣將(jiang)領占(zhan)據各地(di),其中(zhong)有(you)(you)人(ren)憑借權勢撤(che)換了(le)一些郡縣(xian)的太守縣(xian)令。耿況因(yin)(yin)是王莽任命的官(guan)員,心中(zhong)非常(chang)不安(an)(an),命年方二十一歲的耿弇(yan)去朝見(jian)(jian)劉(liu)玄,貢獻方物(wu),以(yi)圖鞏(gong)固自己的地(di)位。耿弇(yan)從(cong)(cong)上(shang)谷南行至宋子縣(xian),適逢王郎自稱漢成帝之子劉(liu)子輿(yu),在邯(han)(han)鄲起(qi)事。隨從(cong)(cong)耿弇(yan)的上(shang)谷郡吏孫倉、衛包(bao)信以(yi)為真,遂投奔(ben)王郎。耿弇(yan)因(yin)(yin)長安(an)(an)道(dao)路(lu)阻隔,聽說更(geng)始(shi)大司馬(ma)劉(liu)秀(xiu)在盧(lu)奴,乃北上(shang)晉見(jian)(jian),被任命為門下(xia)吏。耿弇(yan)請求回(hui)上(shang)谷發兵攻(gong)取(qu)邯(han)(han)鄲,劉(liu)秀(xiu)笑道(dao):“小(xiao)小(xiao)年紀竟(jing)有(you)(you)大志啊!”因(yin)(yin)此數次召見(jian)(jian)他并加恩慰(wei)。
不(bu)久,劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)北至(zhi)薊城。后來(lai),劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)聽說(shuo)邯(han)鄲派兵來(lai)薊,欲要南下,召集(ji)官(guan)屬(shu)(shu)商(shang)議(yi)。耿弇道:“漁陽太守彭寵,是您的(de)同鄉;上谷太守,是我的(de)父親。發動這兩(liang)郡人馬,有(you)萬(wan)騎之眾,邯(han)鄲是容易(yi)奪取(qu)的(de)。”劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)官(guan)屬(shu)(shu)都不(bu)愿北行,劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)卻(que)指著耿弇道:“這是我的(de)北道主人。”恰巧這時(shi)薊城騷亂(luan),劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)匆忙南下,官(guan)屬(shu)(shu)各(ge)自分(fen)散。
平定河北
更始二年(24),耿弇(yan)(yan)回到昌(chang)平(ping),勸說(shuo)父親耿況(kuang)歸(gui)附(fu)劉秀(xiu)。耿況(kuang)派寇(kou)恂前(qian)往漁(yu)陽,約同漁(yu)陽太守彭寵(chong)發(fa)兵(bing)支持劉秀(xiu),二郡各發(fa)騎兵(bing)二千(qian)、步兵(bing)一千(qian)。于(yu)是,耿弇(yan)(yan)、寇(kou)恂、景丹率上谷兵(bing)與吳(wu)漢所率漁(yu)陽兵(bing)會師(shi)南下,沿途(tu)擊斬王(wang)郎的大將、九卿、校尉以下四(si)百余人,攻(gong)取涿郡、中山、巨鹿、清河、河間所屬二十二縣,終于(yu)在廣阿追上了劉秀(xiu)。這時,劉秀(xiu)正在進(jin)攻(gong)王(wang)郎,見二郡兵(bing)馬(ma)前(qian)來非常高興,封耿況(kuang)為大將軍(jun)、歸(gui)義侯,耿弇(yan)(yan)、吳(wu)漢等(deng)人皆為偏將軍(jun)。此后(hou),耿弇(yan)(yan)等(deng)人隨劉秀(xiu)攻(gong)克(ke)邯鄲。
劉(liu)(liu)玄見劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)聲威(wei)日盛,對他(ta)產生疑忌(ji),于是遣使者立其為(wei)蕭王(wang),令(ling)他(ta)罷兵率領部下將士(shi)回長安,又派遣苗曾為(wei)幽州牧(mu),韋順為(wei)上谷太守(shou),蔡充為(wei)漁陽太守(shou),企圖瓦解劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)在(zai)(zai)河(he)北的(de)勢(shi)力。當時劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)居住于邯(han)鄲宮溫明殿,耿弇前至床(chuang)前道:“今更始(shi)失政,君臣(chen)淫亂,諸將在(zai)(zai)京畿之(zhi)(zhi)內(nei)擅作威(wei)福(fu),王(wang)公貴戚們在(zai)(zai)京都(dou)縱橫(heng)暴(bao)虐(nve)。天(tian)子之(zhi)(zhi)命,出(chu)不(bu)了(le)城門,下面的(de)州牧(mu)郡(jun)守(shou),動(dong)不(bu)動(dong)就被(bei)遷徙更換(huan),百(bai)(bai)姓不(bu)知所(suo)從(cong)(cong),士(shi)民莫敢自安。虜掠(lve)財物,劫掠(lve)婦女,懷(huai)有(you)金玉(yu)的(de)大富顯貴,沒有(you)能(neng)生還的(de)。平(ping)(ping)民百(bai)(bai)姓捶胸(xiong)頓足(zu),反而(er)更加(jia)思念王(wang)莽。又有(you)銅(tong)馬(ma)、赤眉等起(qi)義軍(jun),擁眾數十百(bai)(bai)萬,更始(shi)不(bu)能(neng)剿滅。更始(shi)的(de)失敗為(wei)期不(bu)遠。您(nin)首舉義旗于南陽,破(po)百(bai)(bai)萬之(zhi)(zhi)軍(jun);今平(ping)(ping)定河(he)北,據有(you)天(tian)府之(zhi)(zhi)地(di)。以大義討伐,發出(chu)號令(ling),群起(qi)響應(ying),天(tian)下只要(yao)傳檄就可(ke)(ke)平(ping)(ping)定。天(tian)下是最為(wei)重要(yao)的(de),不(bu)可(ke)(ke)讓外(wai)姓人得到。聽說有(you)使者從(cong)(cong)西方來,要(yao)你罷兵,千萬別(bie)聽。今官吏士(shi)卒死(si)亡的(de)多(duo),我愿回幽州去,增發精(jing)兵,以成大計。”
劉(liu)秀聽了十分高興,拜耿弇(yan)為大將軍,令他與吳(wu)(wu)漢(han)北上征發幽州(zhou)十郡(jun)兵(bing)馬(ma)。耿弇(yan)到上谷,斬殺(sha)(sha)韋順、蔡(cai)充,吳(wu)(wu)漢(han)也殺(sha)(sha)掉苗曾。不久(jiu),耿弇(yan)率(lv)幽州(zhou)兵(bing)南下,隨劉(liu)秀轉(zhuan)戰河(he)(he)北,擊(ji)破銅馬(ma)、高湖、青犢、赤眉、尤(you)來、五幡、大槍等各路農民軍,耿弇(yan)經(jing)常率(lv)精(jing)騎為前鋒,屢立戰功。劉(liu)秀回薊之后,耿弇(yan)與吳(wu)(wu)漢(han)、景丹、蓋延(yan)、朱祐、邳彤、耿純、劉(liu)植(zhi)、岑彭、祭遵、王霸(ba)、陳俊(jun)、堅鐔、馬(ma)武十三(san)將軍繼(ji)續(xu)追擊(ji)農民軍殘部(bu)(bu),在潞東、平(ping)谷,連續(xu)重創(chuang)敵軍,斬首一萬三(san)千余級,最后一直追到右(you)北平(ping)郡(jun)的無終縣(xian)(xian)(今(jin)天(tian)津薊縣(xian)(xian))、土垠縣(xian)(xian)(今(jin)河(he)(he)北豐(feng)潤縣(xian)(xian))、俊(jun)靡(今(jin)河(he)(he)北遵化(hua)市),將農民軍殘部(bu)(bu)消滅得干(gan)干(gan)凈(jing)凈(jing)。
橫掃齊魯
建武(wu)元年(nian)(25),劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)稱帝。耿弇(yan)(yan)拜建威大(da)將軍,與(yu)(yu)(yu)景丹(dan)、陳俊攻(gong)(gong)(gong)破(po)厭新賊。建武(wu)二年(nian)(26),耿弇(yan)(yan)封(feng)好(hao)畤侯,食邑兩縣(xian)(xian)。建武(wu)三(san)年(nian)(27),延(yan)岑(cen)自漢(han)中出(chu)武(wu)關,侵(qin)擾南陽(yang)(yang)(yang)各縣(xian)(xian),攻(gong)(gong)(gong)破(po)數(shu)城。耿弇(yan)(yan)率(lv)軍與(yu)(yu)(yu)延(yan)岑(cen)大(da)戰(zhan)于穰縣(xian)(xian),大(da)敗(bai)敵軍,斬首三(san)千余(yu)級、俘獲(huo)五千余(yu)人(ren),繳獲(huo)印綬三(san)百。延(yan)岑(cen)率(lv)數(shu)騎逃奔東(dong)(dong)陽(yang)(yang)(yang),與(yu)(yu)(yu)秦豐(feng)(feng)(feng)合兵一處。此時,彭寵(chong)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)陷薊城,自稱燕王,涿郡太守張豐(feng)(feng)(feng)起兵響應。耿弇(yan)(yan)擊敗(bai)延(yan)岑(cen)后,隨劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)至舂陵,請求(qiu)“定(ding)彭寵(chong)于漁陽(yang)(yang)(yang),取(qu)張豐(feng)(feng)(feng)于涿郡,還收富平、獲(huo)索(suo)(suo),東(dong)(dong)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)張步(bu)(bu),以平齊地(di)”。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)甚為(wei)嘉許。建武(wu)四年(nian)(28),劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)命(ming)耿弇(yan)(yan)進(jin)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)漁陽(yang)(yang)(yang)。耿弇(yan)(yan)因父親耿況曾與(yu)(yu)(yu)彭寵(chong)有交情,又沒有家(jia)屬(shu)留在洛(luo)陽(yang)(yang)(yang),恐怕引起疑心,上書(shu)請求(qiu)回還洛(luo)陽(yang)(yang)(yang)。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)下詔要他放(fang)心,并命(ming)他與(yu)(yu)(yu)王常一起屯(tun)兵涿郡。耿況聞知命(ming)耿國到洛(luo)陽(yang)(yang)(yang)侍(shi)候天子,以表忠(zhong)心。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)進(jin)封(feng)耿況為(wei)隃麋(mi)侯,命(ming)耿弇(yan)(yan)與(yu)(yu)(yu)建義大(da)將軍朱祐(you)、漢(han)忠(zhong)將軍王常等進(jin)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)望都(dou)、故安等地(di)十余(yu)營壘(lei),都(dou)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)破(po)了。建武(wu)五年(nian)(29),耿弇(yan)(yan)與(yu)(yu)(yu)大(da)司(si)馬(ma)吳漢(han)迫(po)降平原(yuan)地(di)區(qu)的富平、獲(huo)索(suo)(suo)兩支(zhi)農民軍。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)遂命(ming)耿弇(yan)(yan)進(jin)討張步(bu)(bu)。
耿(geng)弇收(shou)集(ji)降(jiang)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)和(he)部曲、任命官吏,率騎都尉劉歆、太山太守陳俊率兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)東進,從朝陽橋渡河(he)。張步得知,派(pai)大將軍(jun)(jun)(jun)費邑(yi)屯軍(jun)(jun)(jun)歷下,又(you)(you)分兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)屯祝阿,又(you)(you)在(zai)太山鐘(zhong)城列數十座軍(jun)(jun)(jun)營待耿(geng)弇來(lai)攻。耿(geng)弇渡過黃(huang)河(he)后先攻取祝阿,圍(wei)城時故意留(liu)一角(jiao),使祝阿人逃奔鐘(zhong)城。鐘(zhong)城兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)民聞祝阿失(shi)守,紛紛逃奔,于是漢軍(jun)(jun)(jun)不(bu)戰而取得了鐘(zhong)城要塞。費邑(yi)又(you)(you)派(pai)其弟費敢(gan)把(ba)守要隘巨(ju)里(li)(li)(地名(ming))。耿(geng)弇令軍(jun)(jun)(jun)中(zhong)(zhong)修理攻具,揚言三(san)日后攻巨(ju)里(li)(li),引誘費邑(yi)前(qian)來(lai)救(jiu)援(yuan)。費邑(yi)果然(ran)統(tong)率三(san)萬精兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)前(qian)來(lai),耿(geng)弇留(liu)三(san)千人圍(wei)巨(ju)里(li)(li),自率精兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)埋伏山坡兩側,當費邑(yi)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)到,居(ju)高(gao)臨(lin)下沖潰敵軍(jun)(jun)(jun),斬殺費邑(yi),把(ba)費邑(yi)的首級向巨(ju)里(li)(li)城守兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)展示,城中(zhong)(zhong)守兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)驚懼(ju),費敢(gan)率眾逃歸張步。然(ran)后,耿(geng)弇縱兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)掃蕩未降(jiang)的殘兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)四十余營,一舉平定了濟南郡。
當時(shi)(shi)張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)定都于劇(ju)縣(今山東昌樂(le)縣西),耿(geng)弇(yan)攻(gong)(gong)克濟南郡(jun)后(hou),進(jin)(jin)逼劇(ju)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)派其弟(di)張(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)率領精兵(bing)二(er)萬(wan)駐(zhu)守(shou)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)西北的(de)西安(an),各郡(jun)太守(shou)所部萬(wan)余人駐(zhu)守(shou)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi),相距四十(shi)余里。耿(geng)弇(yan)進(jin)(jin)軍畫中(地名(ming)),處在二(er)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)間(jian)。耿(geng)弇(yan)見(jian)西安(an)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)小(xiao)而堅固,張(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)部下多是精兵(bing),易守(shou)難攻(gong)(gong),臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)雖大(da)而易攻(gong)(gong),便(bian)準備(bei)采(cai)取聲東擊(ji)西的(de)策(ce)略(lve),揚言五(wu)日后(hou)將(jiang)攻(gong)(gong)西安(an)。張(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)聞知后(hou),日夜警戒嚴(yan)守(shou)。到(dao)(dao)了(le)后(hou)四日夜半,耿(geng)弇(yan)卻命諸將(jiang)半夜出(chu)發(fa),至天明(ming)趕(gan)到(dao)(dao)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)下。護軍荀梁等認為應速(su)攻(gong)(gong)西安(an)。耿(geng)弇(yan)道:“西安(an)聽說(shuo)我們要攻(gong)(gong)它,日夜作了(le)準備(bei);臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)出(chu)其不(bu)(bu)意而到(dao)(dao),必定驚擾,我攻(gong)(gong)它一(yi)天就能拿下。攻(gong)(gong)下臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)西安(an)就孤立了(le),張(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)與(yu)張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)隔(ge)絕,必定再逃(tao)亡而去,這就是擊(ji)一(yi)而得(de)二(er)的(de)良計。若(ruo)先攻(gong)(gong)西安(an),一(yi)時(shi)(shi)不(bu)(bu)能破(po)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),屯兵(bing)在堅城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)下,死傷必多,即使能攻(gong)(gong)下,張(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)引軍還奔臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi),合(he)并兵(bing)力,坐觀(guan)虛(xu)實,我深入敵地,后(hou)面糧(liang)草供應不(bu)(bu)上,十(shi)日之(zhi)間(jian),不(bu)(bu)戰而困了(le)。諸君的(de)意見(jian),不(bu)(bu)見(jian)得(de)合(he)適。”于是進(jin)(jin)攻(gong)(gong)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi),半天便(bian)破(po)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),進(jin)(jin)據(ju)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)內。張(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)聽到(dao)(dao)后(hou)率部逃(tao)歸劇(ju)縣。
耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)命令軍中(zhong)不得(de)妄(wang)自侵(qin)掠劇(ju)(ju)縣,必須等(deng)(deng)到張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)到了(le)才進(jin)攻劇(ju)(ju)縣,以激怒張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)聽到后大笑說(shuo):“以尤來(lai)(lai)、大彤十多萬眾(zhong),我都就(jiu)其營(ying)而(er)打敗他。今天耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)比他們(men)少,又都疲勞,有(you)什么(me)可(ke)怕(pa)呢!”于(yu)是與(yu)(yu)三弟(di)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍、張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)弘、張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)壽及大彤大帥重(zhong)異等(deng)(deng)率兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)到臨淄大城東,欲攻打耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)先出(chu)(chu)(chu)淄水(shui),與(yu)(yu)重(zhong)異相(xiang)遇(yu),故意示弱以盛其氣(qi)焰,回兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)小城,陳兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)城內。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)氣(qi)盛,直攻耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)營(ying)地,與(yu)(yu)劉歆等(deng)(deng)大戰(zhan)(zhan)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)登上王(wang)宮(gong)的壞臺觀(guan)看,又自率精兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)從側面突擊張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)陣,大破張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)。戰(zhan)(zhan)中(zhong),飛矢(shi)射中(zhong)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)股部,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)用(yong)佩刀斬斷箭矢(shi),左右都不知道耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)中(zhong)了(le)箭矢(shi)。次日早晨,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)又勒兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)出(chu)(chu)(chu)戰(zhan)(zhan)。當時劉秀在魯,得(de)知耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)被張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)所(suo)攻,正(zheng)親(qin)自趕來(lai)(lai)援助耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)。陳俊對耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“劇(ju)(ju)賊兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)強盛,可(ke)暫時閉營(ying)休養士卒,以等(deng)(deng)待(dai)皇(huang)帝到來(lai)(lai)。”耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“天子(zi)將(jiang)到,臣子(zi)應殺(sha)牛灑酒以等(deng)(deng)待(dai)百官的到來(lai)(lai),反而(er)還(huan)要以賊虜來(lai)(lai)麻煩君上嗎?”于(yu)是出(chu)(chu)(chu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)大戰(zhan)(zhan),自清晨至黃昏,再次大破張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)軍,殺(sha)傷無數。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)知道張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)困將(jiang)退,預先設置(zhi)左右兩翼(yi)伏兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)以待(dai)。到深夜(ye),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)果然引兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)退去,兩翼(yi)伏兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)奮起縱擊,追到鉅昧水(shui),八(ba)九十里死尸相(xiang)連,收(shou)得(de)輜重(zhong)兩千多輛(liang)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)逃回劇(ju)(ju)縣,兄弟(di)各自分兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)散去。
幾日后(hou),劉(liu)秀(xiu)親自到(dao)臨淄(zi)勞軍。群臣大會,劉(liu)秀(xiu)盛贊耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan),并將其(qi)與(yu)韓信相(xiang)比(bi)。不(bu)久(jiu),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)再次追擊張(zhang)步。張(zhang)步逃到(dao)平壽,脫去上衣身負斧锧(zhi)請罪(zui)于軍門。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)送張(zhang)步到(dao)行(xing)在,而勒兵(bing)進(jin)據其(qi)城,收降(jiang)張(zhang)步的兵(bing)眾十余(yu)(yu)萬,輜重七千余(yu)(yu)兩,全(quan)部遣散他(ta)們回鄉(xiang)。后(hou)來。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)再引(yin)兵(bing)至城陽(yang),收降(jiang)五校余(yu)(yu)黨(dang),平定齊地,凱旋回京。
征討隴右
建武六(liu)年(nian)(30),耿(geng)弇西拒(ju)隗囂,劉秀命耿(geng)弇等七將軍從隴道(dao)伐(fa)蜀,耿(geng)弇屯兵于漆縣。
建(jian)武(wu)八年(32),耿弇(yan)又隨劉秀進攻(gong)隴右,耿弇(yan)與虎牙大將軍蓋延圍上(shang)邽。
建武九(jiu)年(33),耿弇(yan)與中郎將來歙(she)分兵平定安定、北地諸營堡。
建(jian)武十年(34),耿弇與來歙、蓋延等(deng)攻破落門,隗(wei)純投(tou)降。
晚年生活
建武十三(san)年(37),劉秀命增(zeng)加耿(geng)(geng)弇的食邑。不(bu)(bu)久,耿(geng)(geng)弇上繳大(da)將軍印綬,以列(lie)侯(hou)身份列(lie)席朝會。劉秀每遇四方有不(bu)(bu)同(tong)意見,經常召(zhao)見耿(geng)(geng)弇顧問籌(chou)策。
永平元年(58),耿弇病逝,年五十六(liu)歲,謚(shi)曰(yue)愍侯。
總評
在東(dong)征的(de)一(yi)系列戰(zhan)役中,耿弇充分顯示了他的(de)軍(jun)事才能(neng)。在各個(ge)戰(zhan)役中,他采(cai)用(yong)了心理戰(zhan)、攻堅戰(zhan)、圍城打(da)援、聲東(dong)擊西(xi)、避強(qiang)擊弱等一(yi)系列戰(zhan)術,而且(qie)運用(yong)巧妙,每(mei)戰(zhan)必(bi)勝(sheng)。耿弇是一(yi)個(ge)難得(de)的(de)勇(yong)將,在自身中箭負傷(shang)的(de)情況下,鎮定自若,繼續激勵部下戰(zhan)斗(dou),充分顯示出(chu)將帥的(de)風度。
歷代評價
范曄在(zai)《后漢書》中,將耿(geng)弇(yan)獨(du)列一傳,并評價(jia)道:
弇凡(fan)所平(ping)郡(jun)四十(shi)六,屠城三百,未(wei)嘗挫折。
論(lun)曰:淮陰廷論(lun)項王,審料成(cheng)埶,則知高祖之(zhi)(zhi)廟(miao)勝矣。耿弇決策河北,定計(ji)南陽,亦見光(guang)武之(zhi)(zhi)業(ye)成(cheng)矣。然(ran)弇自(zi)克拔全齊,而無復尺(chi)寸功。夫豈(qi)不懷?將(jiang)時之(zhi)(zhi)度數(shu),不足以相容乎(hu)?三世為將(jiang),道(dao)家(jia)所忌,而耿氏累葉以功名自(zi)終。將(jiang)其用兵(bing)欲以殺止殺乎(hu)?何其獨(du)能(neng)隆也!
贊曰:好畤經(jing)武,能(neng)畫(hua)能(neng)兵。往收燕卒,來集漢營。請(qing)閑趙殿,釃酒齊(qi)城。
劉秀:昔(xi)韓信破歷下以開基,今將軍(jun)攻祝阿以發跡,此皆齊之西界,功足相方。而韓信襲擊(ji)已(yi)降(jiang),將軍(jun)獨拔(ba)勁(jing)敵(di),其功乃難于(yu)信也(ye)。
慕容(rong)鐘:昔韓(han)信以(yi)裨(bi)將(jiang)伐齊,有征無戰;耿(geng)弇以(yi)偏軍討(tao)步,克不移朔。
《十七史百將傳》:“孫子(zi)曰(yue):‘善戰者(zhe)(zhe),致人而(er)(er)不致于人。’弇逼巨(ju)里而(er)(er)致費邑(yi)。又曰(yue):‘善攻(gong)者(zhe)(zhe),敵不知其所守。’弇攻(gong)西安而(er)(er)拔臨淄是(shi)也。”
洪邁(mai):耿(geng)弇與光武同討王郎(lang),愿歸幽州(zhou),益(yi)發(fa)精兵,定彭寵,取張豐(feng),還收(shou)富平、獲(huo)索,東(dong)攻張步,以(yi)平齊地(di),帝(di)常(chang)以(yi)為落(luo)落(luo)難合,而事(shi)竟(jing)成。
陳元靚:弱冠(guan)稱兵,時惟好(hao)矣(yi)。附翼攀鱗,風飛(fei)云(yun)起。力贊真人,身先突騎。底(di)定三秦,淮陰之比。
徐鈞:馳召蕭王命罷兵,獻謀懷貳見尤(you)明。平齊定趙(zhao)基圖壯,有(you)志方知(zhi)事竟成。
葉居升:世(shi)間奇才,罕有如顏回(hui)、耿弇、鄧禹者,固未(wei)可拘于常(chang)法。
王夫之:光武所與(yu)興者,南陽崛起(qi)之流(liu)輩,而其收河北(bei)以(yi)為根本,則唯得耿弇、寇恂(xun)、吳漢而大業定。
鄭觀(guan)應:古之所謂(wei)將才(cai)(cai)者,曰儒將、曰大將、曰才(cai)(cai)將、曰戰(zhan)將。孫臏、吳起(qi)、白起(qi)、耿弇、楊素、慕容(rong)紹(shao)宗、李(li)光弼、馬(ma)燧等,才(cai)(cai)將也(ye)。
李景星(xing):淮(huai)(huai)陰(yin)無基可藉,弇(yan)則有業(ye)可承;淮(huai)(huai)陰(yin)誅及本身(shen),弇(yan)則榮施(shi)后世。論其始(shi)終(zhong),適成反對;至其建功立業(ye),兩人如出一轍。……弇(yan)入(ru)造床下請(qing)間說光武,則淮(huai)(huai)陰(yin)登壇之(zhi)對也;弇(yan)到上谷收斬韋(wei)順(shun)、蔡充,則淮(huai)(huai)陰(yin)鹵豹(bao)之(zhi)謀也;弇(yan)進討張步,以次削平齊地,則淮(huai)(huai)陰(yin)破(po)趙服燕(yan),終(zhong)于定齊之(zhi)功也。
蔡(cai)東藩:耿弇諸(zhu)將,能諫(jian)阻光(guang)武之赦奉,不知諫(jian)阻光(guang)武之封吾,其亦一(yi)得一(yi)失也歟!