歸順劉秀
耿弇的父親耿況,曾與王莽從(cong)弟王伋(ji)同學(xue)(xue),后為朔調連率(即上谷太守)。耿弇少年時期以勤奮(fen)好(hao)學(xue)(xue)著稱。常(chang)見郡(jun)(jun)中(zhong)歲終舉行(xing)郡(jun)(jun)試,講武(wu)練兵,由衷愛好(hao),因而學(xue)(xue)習騎射,喜好(hao)兵法。
更(geng)始(shi)(shi)元年(nian)(23),劉(liu)(liu)玄建立(li)更(geng)始(shi)(shi)政權(quan),派遣將領占據各(ge)地,其(qi)中(zhong)有人(ren)憑借(jie)權(quan)勢撤換了一(yi)些郡(jun)(jun)縣的(de)太(tai)守縣令。耿(geng)(geng)況因(yin)是王莽任命的(de)官員,心中(zhong)非(fei)常不安,命年(nian)方二十一(yi)歲(sui)的(de)耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)去(qu)朝見(jian)劉(liu)(liu)玄,貢(gong)獻方物,以(yi)圖鞏固自己的(de)地位(wei)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)從上谷(gu)(gu)(gu)南行至(zhi)宋子縣,適逢王郎(lang)自稱漢成帝之子劉(liu)(liu)子輿,在(zai)邯鄲起(qi)事。隨(sui)從耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)的(de)上谷(gu)(gu)(gu)郡(jun)(jun)吏孫(sun)倉、衛包信以(yi)為(wei)真(zhen),遂投奔王郎(lang)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)因(yin)長安道(dao)路(lu)阻隔,聽說更(geng)始(shi)(shi)大司馬劉(liu)(liu)秀在(zai)盧奴(nu),乃北上晉見(jian),被任命為(wei)門下吏。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)請求回上谷(gu)(gu)(gu)發兵(bing)攻取(qu)邯鄲,劉(liu)(liu)秀笑道(dao):“小小年(nian)紀竟有大志(zhi)啊(a)!”因(yin)此數次召(zhao)見(jian)他并加恩(en)慰。
不(bu)久,劉(liu)秀(xiu)北至薊(ji)城。后來,劉(liu)秀(xiu)聽說邯鄲(dan)派兵來薊(ji),欲要南下(xia),召集官屬商議。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)道:“漁陽(yang)太守彭寵(chong),是(shi)您的同鄉;上谷太守,是(shi)我的父親(qin)。發動這兩(liang)郡(jun)人馬,有萬騎之(zhi)眾,邯鄲(dan)是(shi)容(rong)易奪取的。”劉(liu)秀(xiu)官屬都不(bu)愿北行(xing),劉(liu)秀(xiu)卻指著(zhu)耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)道:“這是(shi)我的北道主人。”恰(qia)巧這時(shi)薊(ji)城騷亂,劉(liu)秀(xiu)匆忙南下(xia),官屬各自分(fen)散(san)。
平定河北
更始二(er)年(24),耿弇回(hui)到(dao)昌(chang)平,勸(quan)說父親(qin)耿況(kuang)歸附劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀。耿況(kuang)派寇恂前往漁陽,約同漁陽太守彭(peng)寵發兵(bing)(bing)支持劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀,二(er)郡(jun)各發騎兵(bing)(bing)二(er)千、步兵(bing)(bing)一千。于是,耿弇、寇恂、景丹率上谷兵(bing)(bing)與(yu)吳漢所(suo)率漁陽兵(bing)(bing)會(hui)師南下,沿途擊(ji)斬王郎的(de)大將、九卿、校尉以(yi)下四(si)百余(yu)人(ren),攻(gong)取涿郡(jun)、中山、巨(ju)鹿、清河(he)、河(he)間(jian)所(suo)屬(shu)二(er)十二(er)縣,終于在廣阿追上了劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀。這時(shi),劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀正在進攻(gong)王郎,見二(er)郡(jun)兵(bing)(bing)馬前來(lai)非(fei)常高(gao)興,封耿況(kuang)為大將軍(jun)、歸義侯,耿弇、吳漢等人(ren)皆為偏將軍(jun)。此后,耿弇等人(ren)隨(sui)劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀攻(gong)克(ke)邯鄲。
劉(liu)玄見劉(liu)秀聲威日盛,對他產(chan)生疑忌(ji),于是(shi)遣(qian)使者立其為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)蕭王(wang),令他罷兵(bing)率領部下將(jiang)士回(hui)長安(an),又派遣(qian)苗曾(ceng)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)幽(you)州(zhou)牧(mu),韋(wei)順(shun)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)上谷太守(shou),蔡充(chong)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)漁陽太守(shou),企圖(tu)瓦(wa)解劉(liu)秀在(zai)(zai)河(he)北(bei)的(de)勢力(li)。當時劉(liu)秀居住于邯鄲宮溫(wen)明殿,耿(geng)弇前至床(chuang)前道:“今更始失(shi)政(zheng),君臣淫亂(luan),諸將(jiang)在(zai)(zai)京畿之內擅作威福(fu),王(wang)公貴(gui)戚們(men)在(zai)(zai)京都(dou)縱橫暴虐。天(tian)(tian)子之命,出(chu)不(bu)了城門,下面的(de)州(zhou)牧(mu)郡(jun)守(shou),動不(bu)動就(jiu)(jiu)被(bei)遷徙(xi)更換,百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)不(bu)知(zhi)所從(cong),士民(min)莫敢自安(an)。虜掠(lve)財物,劫掠(lve)婦女,懷有金(jin)玉的(de)大富顯貴(gui),沒有能生還的(de)。平民(min)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)捶胸頓足,反而更加思念王(wang)莽。又有銅馬、赤(chi)眉等(deng)起義軍(jun),擁(yong)眾數十百(bai)萬,更始不(bu)能剿(jiao)滅。更始的(de)失(shi)敗為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)期不(bu)遠。您首(shou)舉(ju)義旗于南陽,破百(bai)萬之軍(jun);今平定(ding)河(he)北(bei),據(ju)有天(tian)(tian)府之地。以(yi)大義討伐,發出(chu)號令,群起響應,天(tian)(tian)下只要(yao)(yao)傳(chuan)檄就(jiu)(jiu)可平定(ding)。天(tian)(tian)下是(shi)最為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)重要(yao)(yao)的(de),不(bu)可讓外姓(xing)(xing)人得(de)到。聽(ting)說有使者從(cong)西方來(lai),要(yao)(yao)你罷兵(bing),千萬別(bie)聽(ting)。今官吏士卒死(si)亡(wang)的(de)多(duo),我愿回(hui)幽(you)州(zhou)去,增發精兵(bing),以(yi)成大計。”
劉(liu)秀(xiu)聽了十分高興,拜耿(geng)弇(yan)為大將軍,令他與吳漢北上征發幽(you)州十郡兵馬(ma)。耿(geng)弇(yan)到上谷,斬(zhan)殺韋(wei)順、蔡充(chong),吳漢也殺掉(diao)苗曾(ceng)。不久,耿(geng)弇(yan)率幽(you)州兵南下(xia),隨劉(liu)秀(xiu)轉(zhuan)戰河(he)北,擊破(po)銅馬(ma)、高湖、青犢、赤眉、尤來、五幡、大槍等各路農民軍,耿(geng)弇(yan)經常率精騎為前(qian)鋒,屢立戰功(gong)。劉(liu)秀(xiu)回(hui)薊之后(hou),耿(geng)弇(yan)與吳漢、景丹、蓋延、朱祐、邳彤(tong)、耿(geng)純、劉(liu)植、岑彭、祭遵、王霸、陳俊、堅鐔、馬(ma)武十三(san)將軍繼續(xu)追擊農民軍殘(can)部(bu),在潞東、平谷,連續(xu)重創敵(di)軍,斬(zhan)首一萬三(san)千余級,最后(hou)一直追到右北平郡的無終縣(xian)(今天津薊縣(xian))、土垠縣(xian)(今河(he)北豐潤縣(xian))、俊靡(今河(he)北遵化市),將農民軍殘(can)部(bu)消滅得干干凈(jing)凈(jing)。
橫掃齊魯
建(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)(wu)元年(25),劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)稱(cheng)帝。耿(geng)弇拜建(jian)(jian)(jian)威大(da)將(jiang)軍,與(yu)景丹(dan)、陳俊攻(gong)(gong)(gong)破厭新賊。建(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)(wu)二年(26),耿(geng)弇封(feng)好畤(zhi)侯,食邑兩縣。建(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)(wu)三年(27),延(yan)岑自漢(han)(han)中出武(wu)(wu)關,侵擾(rao)南陽各縣,攻(gong)(gong)(gong)破數城(cheng)。耿(geng)弇率軍與(yu)延(yan)岑大(da)戰(zhan)于(yu)穰縣,大(da)敗(bai)敵軍,斬首三千(qian)余(yu)級、俘獲(huo)五千(qian)余(yu)人,繳獲(huo)印綬三百。延(yan)岑率數騎逃奔東陽,與(yu)秦豐(feng)合(he)兵(bing)(bing)一處。此時(shi),彭(peng)寵攻(gong)(gong)(gong)陷薊城(cheng),自稱(cheng)燕王(wang),涿(zhuo)(zhuo)郡(jun)(jun)太守張豐(feng)起兵(bing)(bing)響應。耿(geng)弇擊敗(bai)延(yan)岑后,隨劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)至(zhi)舂(chong)陵,請求“定彭(peng)寵于(yu)漁陽,取張豐(feng)于(yu)涿(zhuo)(zhuo)郡(jun)(jun),還(huan)收(shou)富(fu)平、獲(huo)索(suo),東攻(gong)(gong)(gong)張步,以(yi)平齊地”。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)甚為嘉許。建(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)(wu)四年(28),劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)命(ming)(ming)耿(geng)弇進攻(gong)(gong)(gong)漁陽。耿(geng)弇因父(fu)親耿(geng)況曾(ceng)與(yu)彭(peng)寵有(you)交情,又(you)沒有(you)家(jia)屬留在洛陽,恐怕引起疑心(xin),上書請求回還(huan)洛陽。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)下詔要他放心(xin),并命(ming)(ming)他與(yu)王(wang)常一起屯兵(bing)(bing)涿(zhuo)(zhuo)郡(jun)(jun)。耿(geng)況聞(wen)知(zhi)命(ming)(ming)耿(geng)國到洛陽侍候天子(zi),以(yi)表忠(zhong)心(xin)。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)進封(feng)耿(geng)況為隃麋侯,命(ming)(ming)耿(geng)弇與(yu)建(jian)(jian)(jian)義大(da)將(jiang)軍朱(zhu)祐、漢(han)(han)忠(zhong)將(jiang)軍王(wang)常等(deng)進攻(gong)(gong)(gong)望都、故安等(deng)地十(shi)余(yu)營(ying)壘,都攻(gong)(gong)(gong)破了。建(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)(wu)五年(29),耿(geng)弇與(yu)大(da)司馬(ma)吳(wu)漢(han)(han)迫(po)降平原地區的富(fu)平、獲(huo)索(suo)兩支農(nong)民軍。劉(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)遂命(ming)(ming)耿(geng)弇進討張步。
耿弇(yan)收(shou)集(ji)降兵(bing)(bing)(bing)和部曲、任命官吏(li),率騎都尉劉(liu)歆、太(tai)山(shan)太(tai)守(shou)(shou)陳(chen)俊(jun)率兵(bing)(bing)(bing)東進,從朝陽橋渡河。張步(bu)得(de)知,派大將軍(jun)費(fei)邑(yi)(yi)屯(tun)軍(jun)歷下,又(you)分兵(bing)(bing)(bing)屯(tun)祝(zhu)阿(a),又(you)在(zai)太(tai)山(shan)鐘(zhong)(zhong)城(cheng)列數十(shi)座軍(jun)營待耿弇(yan)來(lai)(lai)攻(gong)。耿弇(yan)渡過黃(huang)河后(hou)先攻(gong)取祝(zhu)阿(a),圍(wei)城(cheng)時故意留一角,使祝(zhu)阿(a)人(ren)逃奔(ben)(ben)鐘(zhong)(zhong)城(cheng)。鐘(zhong)(zhong)城(cheng)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)民聞祝(zhu)阿(a)失守(shou)(shou),紛(fen)紛(fen)逃奔(ben)(ben),于(yu)是漢軍(jun)不戰(zhan)而(er)取得(de)了(le)鐘(zhong)(zhong)城(cheng)要塞。費(fei)邑(yi)(yi)又(you)派其弟(di)費(fei)敢把守(shou)(shou)要隘巨(ju)里(地(di)名)。耿弇(yan)令軍(jun)中修(xiu)理攻(gong)具(ju),揚(yang)言三日(ri)后(hou)攻(gong)巨(ju)里,引誘(you)費(fei)邑(yi)(yi)前來(lai)(lai)救援(yuan)。費(fei)邑(yi)(yi)果然統率三萬精兵(bing)(bing)(bing)前來(lai)(lai),耿弇(yan)留三千人(ren)圍(wei)巨(ju)里,自率精兵(bing)(bing)(bing)埋伏山(shan)坡兩側,當費(fei)邑(yi)(yi)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)到,居(ju)高(gao)臨下沖(chong)潰敵軍(jun),斬殺費(fei)邑(yi)(yi),把費(fei)邑(yi)(yi)的(de)首級向巨(ju)里城(cheng)守(shou)(shou)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)展示,城(cheng)中守(shou)(shou)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)驚懼,費(fei)敢率眾逃歸張步(bu)。然后(hou),耿弇(yan)縱兵(bing)(bing)(bing)掃蕩未降的(de)殘兵(bing)(bing)(bing)四十(shi)余營,一舉(ju)平定了(le)濟南(nan)郡。
當時張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)定都(dou)于劇(ju)(ju)縣(xian)(xian)(今山東(dong)昌樂(le)縣(xian)(xian)西(xi)(xi)(xi)),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)攻(gong)克濟南郡后(hou),進逼劇(ju)(ju)城(cheng)(cheng)。張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)派其弟張(zhang)(zhang)藍率領精(jing)(jing)兵二(er)(er)萬(wan)駐守(shou)(shou)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)西(xi)(xi)(xi)北的西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an),各郡太守(shou)(shou)所部(bu)萬(wan)余人駐守(shou)(shou)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi),相距四十余里。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)進軍(jun)畫中(地(di)名(ming)),處在二(er)(er)城(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)間。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)見(jian)(jian)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)城(cheng)(cheng)小而堅固,張(zhang)(zhang)藍部(bu)下(xia)(xia)多是精(jing)(jing)兵,易守(shou)(shou)難攻(gong),臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)雖大而易攻(gong),便(bian)準備采(cai)取(qu)聲(sheng)東(dong)擊西(xi)(xi)(xi)的策略,揚言(yan)五日(ri)(ri)后(hou)將攻(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)。張(zhang)(zhang)藍聞知后(hou),日(ri)(ri)夜(ye)警戒(jie)嚴守(shou)(shou)。到(dao)了(le)(le)后(hou)四日(ri)(ri)夜(ye)半(ban),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)卻命諸(zhu)將半(ban)夜(ye)出(chu)發,至天(tian)明(ming)趕到(dao)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)下(xia)(xia)。護軍(jun)荀(xun)梁等認(ren)為應速攻(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)道(dao):“西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)聽說我(wo)們要攻(gong)它,日(ri)(ri)夜(ye)作(zuo)了(le)(le)準備;臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)出(chu)其不(bu)意(yi)而到(dao),必定驚擾,我(wo)攻(gong)它一天(tian)就能拿(na)下(xia)(xia)。攻(gong)下(xia)(xia)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)就孤立了(le)(le),張(zhang)(zhang)藍與(yu)張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)隔(ge)絕,必定再逃亡而去,這就是擊一而得二(er)(er)的良計。若先攻(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an),一時不(bu)能破城(cheng)(cheng),屯兵在堅城(cheng)(cheng)之(zhi)下(xia)(xia),死(si)傷必多,即使能攻(gong)下(xia)(xia),張(zhang)(zhang)藍引軍(jun)還(huan)奔臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi),合并兵力,坐觀虛(xu)實,我(wo)深入敵地(di),后(hou)面糧草(cao)供應不(bu)上,十日(ri)(ri)之(zhi)間,不(bu)戰而困了(le)(le)。諸(zhu)君的意(yi)見(jian)(jian),不(bu)見(jian)(jian)得合適。”于是進攻(gong)臨(lin)(lin)淄(zi)(zi),半(ban)天(tian)便(bian)破城(cheng)(cheng),進據城(cheng)(cheng)內(nei)。張(zhang)(zhang)藍聽到(dao)后(hou)率部(bu)逃歸(gui)劇(ju)(ju)縣(xian)(xian)。
耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)命令軍(jun)(jun)中不得(de)(de)妄自(zi)(zi)(zi)侵掠劇(ju)縣(xian),必須(xu)等(deng)到(dao)張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)到(dao)了(le)才進攻劇(ju)縣(xian),以(yi)激怒張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)。張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)聽到(dao)后大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)笑說:“以(yi)尤來、大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)彤十(shi)多萬眾,我(wo)都就其營(ying)而打(da)敗他(ta)。今天(tian)耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)兵(bing)比(bi)他(ta)們少,又都疲(pi)勞,有(you)什么可(ke)怕呢!”于是與三弟張(zhang)藍、張(zhang)弘、張(zhang)壽(shou)及大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)彤大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)帥重異等(deng)率(lv)兵(bing)到(dao)臨淄大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)城東,欲攻打(da)耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)先出淄水(shui),與重異相遇,故意示弱以(yi)盛(sheng)其氣焰,回(hui)兵(bing)小城,陳(chen)(chen)兵(bing)城內。張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)氣盛(sheng),直(zhi)攻耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)營(ying)地,與劉歆等(deng)大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)戰。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)登上(shang)(shang)王宮(gong)的壞臺觀看,又自(zi)(zi)(zi)率(lv)精兵(bing)從側面突擊(ji)(ji)張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)兵(bing)陣,大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)破(po)張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)。戰中,飛矢(shi)射中耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)股部(bu),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)用佩刀斬斷(duan)箭矢(shi),左(zuo)右(you)(you)都不知(zhi)道耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)中了(le)箭矢(shi)。次日早晨,耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)又勒(le)兵(bing)出戰。當時劉秀在魯,得(de)(de)知(zhi)耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)被張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)所攻,正親自(zi)(zi)(zi)趕來援助(zhu)耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)。陳(chen)(chen)俊對耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)說:“劇(ju)賊兵(bing)強盛(sheng),可(ke)暫時閉營(ying)休養士卒(zu),以(yi)等(deng)待皇帝到(dao)來。”耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)說:“天(tian)子將到(dao),臣子應殺牛灑(sa)酒(jiu)以(yi)等(deng)待百官的到(dao)來,反而還要以(yi)賊虜(lu)來麻煩君上(shang)(shang)嗎?”于是出兵(bing)大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)戰,自(zi)(zi)(zi)清(qing)晨至黃昏,再(zai)次大(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)破(po)張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)軍(jun)(jun),殺傷無數。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)知(zhi)道張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)兵(bing)困將退(tui),預先設置左(zuo)右(you)(you)兩(liang)翼(yi)伏(fu)兵(bing)以(yi)待。到(dao)深夜,張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)果然引兵(bing)退(tui)去(qu),兩(liang)翼(yi)伏(fu)兵(bing)奮(fen)起縱擊(ji)(ji),追(zhui)到(dao)鉅昧水(shui),八九(jiu)十(shi)里死尸相連,收得(de)(de)輜重兩(liang)千多輛。張(zhang)步(bu)(bu)(bu)逃回(hui)劇(ju)縣(xian),兄弟各自(zi)(zi)(zi)分兵(bing)散去(qu)。
幾日后(hou),劉秀(xiu)(xiu)親(qin)自(zi)到(dao)(dao)(dao)臨淄勞軍(jun)。群臣大(da)會(hui),劉秀(xiu)(xiu)盛(sheng)贊耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan),并將(jiang)其與韓信相比。不久,耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)再次(ci)追擊(ji)張(zhang)步。張(zhang)步逃到(dao)(dao)(dao)平壽(shou),脫去上衣身負斧锧請(qing)罪于軍(jun)門。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)送張(zhang)步到(dao)(dao)(dao)行在,而勒兵進據其城,收降張(zhang)步的兵眾十(shi)余萬(wan),輜重七千余兩,全部遣(qian)散他們(men)回(hui)鄉(xiang)。后(hou)來。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)再引兵至(zhi)城陽,收降五校余黨,平定齊地,凱旋回(hui)京(jing)。
征討隴右
建(jian)武六年(nian)(30),耿弇西(xi)拒隗(wei)囂(xiao),劉秀命耿弇等(deng)七將軍從隴道伐(fa)蜀(shu),耿弇屯兵于漆縣。
建武八年(nian)(32),耿(geng)弇(yan)又隨劉秀進(jin)攻隴(long)右,耿(geng)弇(yan)與虎牙大將(jiang)軍蓋延圍上(shang)邽。
建武九年(33),耿(geng)弇與中郎將來歙(she)分兵平定安定、北地(di)諸(zhu)營堡。
建(jian)武十年(34),耿弇與來(lai)歙、蓋延等攻破落門,隗(wei)純投降。
晚年生活
建武(wu)十(shi)三年(37),劉(liu)秀命增加耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)的食邑(yi)。不久,耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)上(shang)繳大將軍印綬,以列侯身份列席朝會。劉(liu)秀每遇四方有不同(tong)意見(jian),經常召見(jian)耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)顧問(wen)籌策。
永(yong)平元年(58),耿弇病逝(shi),年五十六歲,謚(shi)曰愍侯。
總評
在(zai)東征的(de)(de)一系(xi)列(lie)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)役中,耿弇(yan)充分(fen)顯示(shi)(shi)了他(ta)的(de)(de)軍事才能。在(zai)各個戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)役中,他(ta)采用了心(xin)理(li)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)、攻堅戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)、圍城打援、聲東擊西、避強擊弱等一系(xi)列(lie)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)術,而且運用巧(qiao)妙,每戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)必勝。耿弇(yan)是一個難得的(de)(de)勇(yong)將,在(zai)自(zi)身中箭負傷的(de)(de)情況下,鎮定自(zi)若,繼續激(ji)勵部下戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou),充分(fen)顯示(shi)(shi)出(chu)將帥的(de)(de)風度(du)。
歷代評價
范曄在《后(hou)漢(han)書》中,將耿弇獨列一傳,并評價(jia)道:
弇凡所平郡四十(shi)六,屠(tu)城三百,未嘗(chang)挫(cuo)折。
論曰:淮陰廷論項王(wang),審(shen)料成埶,則知(zhi)高祖(zu)之廟勝矣(yi)(yi)。耿(geng)弇決(jue)策河(he)北,定計(ji)南陽,亦見光武之業(ye)成矣(yi)(yi)。然弇自(zi)克拔(ba)全齊,而(er)無復尺(chi)寸功(gong)。夫豈(qi)不(bu)懷?將(jiang)時之度數,不(bu)足(zu)以(yi)相容(rong)乎?三世為將(jiang),道家所(suo)忌,而(er)耿(geng)氏(shi)累葉以(yi)功(gong)名自(zi)終。將(jiang)其(qi)用兵欲以(yi)殺止殺乎?何其(qi)獨能隆也!
贊曰:好畤經武,能(neng)畫能(neng)兵。往收(shou)燕(yan)卒,來集漢(han)營。請閑(xian)趙殿,釃酒齊城。
劉秀:昔韓信(xin)破歷下以(yi)開基,今將(jiang)軍攻(gong)祝阿以(yi)發跡,此皆齊(qi)之西(xi)界,功足相方。而(er)韓信(xin)襲擊(ji)已降,將(jiang)軍獨拔勁(jing)敵,其(qi)功乃難于(yu)信(xin)也(ye)。
慕容鐘:昔(xi)韓(han)信以裨將伐齊,有(you)征(zheng)無戰;耿(geng)弇以偏(pian)軍討步,克不移朔。
《十七史(shi)百將傳(chuan)》:“孫子曰(yue):‘善(shan)戰(zhan)者,致人而不(bu)致于人。’弇(yan)逼(bi)巨(ju)里而致費(fei)邑。又曰(yue):‘善(shan)攻(gong)者,敵不(bu)知其所守(shou)。’弇(yan)攻(gong)西安而拔臨(lin)淄是也。”
洪(hong)邁:耿(geng)弇與光(guang)武同(tong)討王郎,愿歸(gui)幽州,益發(fa)精兵(bing),定(ding)彭(peng)寵(chong),取張(zhang)豐(feng),還收富平、獲索,東攻張(zhang)步,以(yi)平齊地,帝常以(yi)為落落難合(he),而事(shi)竟(jing)成。
陳元(yuan)靚:弱冠(guan)稱兵(bing),時惟(wei)好矣(yi)。附翼攀鱗,風飛(fei)云起(qi)。力贊真人,身(shen)先(xian)突騎。底(di)定三秦(qin),淮陰之比。
徐鈞:馳召蕭王(wang)命罷兵,獻謀懷(huai)貳見尤明(ming)。平齊定趙基圖壯,有志方知事(shi)竟成。
葉居升(sheng):世間奇才,罕有如顏回、耿弇、鄧禹者,固未可拘于常法。
王夫(fu)之(zhi):光(guang)武所與(yu)興者,南陽(yang)崛起(qi)之(zhi)流輩,而(er)其收河(he)北(bei)以為(wei)根本,則唯得(de)耿弇、寇恂(xun)、吳漢而(er)大業定。
鄭(zheng)觀應:古(gu)之所(suo)謂(wei)將(jiang)(jiang)才(cai)者,曰(yue)(yue)儒(ru)將(jiang)(jiang)、曰(yue)(yue)大將(jiang)(jiang)、曰(yue)(yue)才(cai)將(jiang)(jiang)、曰(yue)(yue)戰將(jiang)(jiang)。孫臏(bin)、吳起(qi)、白起(qi)、耿弇、楊(yang)素、慕容(rong)紹宗、李光弼、馬燧等,才(cai)將(jiang)(jiang)也。
李景星:淮(huai)陰(yin)(yin)(yin)無(wu)基可藉,弇則有業可承;淮(huai)陰(yin)(yin)(yin)誅及本身,弇則榮施(shi)后世。論其(qi)(qi)始終(zhong),適(shi)成(cheng)反對;至其(qi)(qi)建功立業,兩人(ren)如出一轍。……弇入造床(chuang)下請間說光武,則淮(huai)陰(yin)(yin)(yin)登壇(tan)之(zhi)對也(ye);弇到上谷收(shou)斬(zhan)韋順、蔡充(chong),則淮(huai)陰(yin)(yin)(yin)鹵豹之(zhi)謀(mou)也(ye);弇進討(tao)張步,以次削平齊地,則淮(huai)陰(yin)(yin)(yin)破趙服燕,終(zhong)于(yu)定齊之(zhi)功也(ye)。
蔡東藩:耿弇(yan)諸將(jiang),能諫阻光(guang)武之(zhi)赦奉(feng),不知諫阻光(guang)武之(zhi)封吾,其亦(yi)一得一失也歟!