吳越爭霸是指歷史上春秋時期吳越兩國互相征伐的一段時期。周(zhou)景(jing)王元年(公元前(qian)544年),吳(wu)侵越時(shi)所獲戰俘剌(la)死吳(wu)王余(yu)祭(ji)。周(zhou)敬(jing)王十年(前(qian)510年),吳(wu)大舉(ju)攻楚前(qian),為解除后顧之憂,又曾攻越,占領檇李(今(jin)浙(zhe)江嘉(jia)興南(nan))。
十五(wu)年,吳(wu)軍(jun)主(zhu)力在楚都郢時,越(yue)(yue)乘機(ji)侵入吳(wu)境(jing),雙方(fang)矛盾日趨(qu)激(ji)化。從地緣上看吳(wu)國欲(yu)爭(zheng)霸中原(yuan),必先(xian)(xian)征服越(yue)(yue)國,以解除(chu)其后(hou)方(fang)威脅;而(er)越(yue)(yue)國欲(yu)北進中原(yuan),更(geng)必先(xian)(xian)征服吳(wu)國才能夠打通(tong)北進中原(yuan)的通(tong)道,因而(er)引起延續(xu)二十余年的吳(wu)越(yue)(yue)戰(zhan)爭(zheng)。
兩(liang)國相互征伐(fa)多年直(zhi)至笠澤之戰后,吳(wu)(wu)、越力量對(dui)比發(fa)生了根本變化,越已占有絕對(dui)優勢(shi)。周(zhou)元王元年(前475年),越再(zai)度攻吳(wu)(wu)。吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)無力迎戰,據都(dou)城防守。越于吳(wu)(wu)都(dou)西南郊筑城,謀長期圍困(kun)。吳(wu)(wu)數次遣使請和(he),均遭越拒絕。三年,城破(po),吳(wu)(wu)王夫差自殺,吳(wu)(wu)國滅亡(wang)。
而(er)越國(guo)通過此次吞并吳國(guo)國(guo)力大增盛極(ji)一(yi)時,而(er)越王(wang)勾踐也成為了(le)春秋最(zui)后一(yi)位霸主。
周景(jing)王元年(nian)(nian)(公元前(qian)544年(nian)(nian)),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)侵越(yue)時(shi)所獲戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)俘剌死吳(wu)(wu)(wu)王余(yu)(yu)祭(ji)。周敬王十(shi)(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian)(前(qian)510年(nian)(nian)),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)大舉攻(gong)楚前(qian),為(wei)(wei)解(jie)(jie)除(chu)后(hou)顧之憂,又曾攻(gong)越(yue),占領檇李(今浙江嘉(jia)興(xing)南(nan)(nan)。十(shi)(shi)(shi)五年(nian)(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)軍主(zhu)力在楚都(dou)郢(ying)時(shi),越(yue)乘機侵入吳(wu)(wu)(wu)境,雙方(fang)矛盾日趨激(ji)化。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)欲爭霸中(zhong)原,必先(xian)征服越(yue)國,以解(jie)(jie)除(chu)其(qi)后(hou)方(fang)威(wei)脅(xie);越(yue)欲北(bei)進中(zhong)原,更必先(xian)服吳(wu)(wu)(wu)才有可能(neng),因(yin)而引起(qi)延續二十(shi)(shi)(shi)余(yu)(yu)年(nian)(nian)的吳(wu)(wu)(wu)越(yue)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)爭。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)、越(yue)地處江南(nan)(nan)水鄉(xiang),“以船(chuan)(chuan)為(wei)(wei)車,以楫為(wei)(wei)馬”(《越(yue)絕書·記地傳》),雙方(fang)多為(wei)(wei)水上作戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)。此時(shi)作為(wei)(wei)水軍的“舟師”已成(cheng)為(wei)(wei)新的兵種(zhong),能(neng)獨立完成(cheng)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)略、戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)役任務。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)、越(yue)水軍有樓船(chuan)(chuan)(指揮船(chuan)(chuan))、大翼(yi)、中(zhong)翼(yi)、小翼(yi)三(san)種(zhong)主(zhu)要戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)艦船(chuan)(chuan)及突(tu)冒(mao)(船(chuan)(chuan)首(shou)裝有沖角)、橋船(chuan)(chuan)(輕(qing)快戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)船(chuan)(chuan))等戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)船(chuan)(chuan)。主(zhu)要戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)船(chuan)(chuan)大翼(yi)船(chuan)(chuan)長(chang)20米,寬2.7米,載乘“戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)士二十(shi)(shi)(shi)六人(ren)(ren),棹(手)五十(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren),舳(zhu)艫(手)三(san)人(ren)(ren),操長(chang)鉤(gou)矛、斧者(各)四人(ren)(ren),吏、仆(pu)、射(she)長(chang)各一人(ren)(ren)”,連同船(chuan)(chuan)長(chang)“凡九十(shi)(shi)(shi)一人(ren)(ren)”(《太平(ping)御覽》卷315引《伍子胥水戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)兵法》)。水戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)基本方(fang)式是(shi)先(xian)用(yong)弩射(she),再(zai)進行接舷(xian)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou),最后(hou)登(deng)船(chuan)(chuan)格斗(dou),有時(shi)亦(yi)用(yong)突(tu)冒(mao)撞擊敵船(chuan)(chuan)。
吳勝越
二十四(si)年(nian)(nian)(公元前(qian)496年(nian)(nian)),吳(wu)(wu)王闔(he)閭率軍攻越(yue)(yue)(yue),雙方(fang)主力(li)戰(zhan)(zhan)于(yu)檇李。越(yue)(yue)(yue)以(yi)死罪刑徒陣(zhen)前(qian)自(zi)刎,乘(cheng)吳(wu)(wu)軍注(zhu)意力(li)分(fen)散之(zhi)機(ji)發動猛攻,大(da)敗吳(wu)(wu)軍。闔(he)閭負(fu)傷身死,夫(fu)差繼(ji)位(wei)為王。二十六年(nian)(nian),越(yue)(yue)(yue)以(yi)水軍攻吳(wu)(wu),戰(zhan)(zhan)于(yu)夫(fu)椒(今江蘇太湖中洞庭山(shan))。越(yue)(yue)(yue)軍戰(zhan)(zhan)敗,主力(li)被(bei)殲(jian)。吳(wu)(wu)軍乘(cheng)勝追擊,占領越(yue)(yue)(yue)都會(hui)稽(今浙江紹(shao)興)。越(yue)(yue)(yue)王勾(gou)踐(jian)率余部5000人被(bei)圍于(yu)會(hui)稽山(shan)上(shang)。勾(gou)踐(jian)請(qing)降,吳(wu)(wu)大(da)臣伍員(yuan)建議勿許,認為“今不滅越(yue)(yue)(yue),后(hou)必悔(hui)之(zhi)”。夫(fu)差因急于(yu)北上(shang)中原爭霸,未(wei)采(cai)納伍子胥(xu)建議,以(yi)越(yue)(yue)(yue)王質吳(wu)(wu)為條(tiao)件,許降撤(che)兵(參見《夫(fu)椒之(zhi)戰(zhan)(zhan)》條(tiao))。
越王臥薪嘗膽
勾(gou)(gou)踐夫婦為(wei)(wei)吳(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)“駕車養馬(ma)”,執(zhi)役三年,贏(ying)得(de)夫差(cha)信任,獲釋回國(guo)。勾(gou)(gou)踐為(wei)(wei)興(xing)(xing)越(yue)滅吳(wu)(wu),“臥薪嘗膽”,發(fa)(fa)憤圖(tu)強(qiang)。其(qi)在謀臣文種、范蠡(li)輔(fu)佐下,制定了“十(shi)年生聚”、“十(shi)年教(jiao)訓(xun)”的(de)長期戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)略:在內政上(shang)實(shi)行(xing)發(fa)(fa)展生產、獎勵生育(yu)及尊重(zhong)人才等政策,以(yi)(yi)安定民生,充裕兵(bing)源,收攬人心(xin),鞏固(gu)團結(jie),從而增(zeng)強(qiang)綜合國(guo)力(li)(li);在軍(jun)事上(shang),實(shi)行(xing)精(jing)兵(bing)政策,加(jia)強(qiang)訓(xun)練,嚴格紀律,以(yi)(yi)提高戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)力(li)(li)。當時弩已(yi)用于(yu)(yu)(yu)作(zuo)(zuo)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)。戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)車、戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)船均“頓于(yu)(yu)(yu)兵(bing)弩”,戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)勝敗(bai)關鍵又取決于(yu)(yu)(yu)最后(hou)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)沖(chong)鋒(feng)。勾(gou)(gou)踐聘請精(jing)于(yu)(yu)(yu)弓弩射法的(de)陳音教(jiao)授(shou)用弩技術(shu),包括瞄準、連(lian)續發(fa)(fa)射及掌握弩力(li)(li)與箭(jian)重(zhong)最佳比例(拉力(li)(li)一(yi)石,箭(jian)重(zhong)一(yi)兩)等方(fang)法,使“軍(jun)士皆能用弓弩之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)巧(qiao)”,聘請善于(yu)(yu)(yu)“劍(jian)戟之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)術(shu)”的(de)越(yue)女(nv)教(jiao)授(shou)“手(shou)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)”格斗(dou)技術(shu),使軍(jun)士“一(yi)人當百(bai),百(bai)人當萬”。越(yue)地(di)民風是“悅兵(bing)敢死(si)”,慣于(yu)(yu)(yu)各自為(wei)(wei)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)。為(wei)(wei)此,勾(gou)(gou)踐反(fan)對“匹夫之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)勇”,強(qiang)調紀律性,要(yao)求作(zuo)(zuo)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)單位(wei)在統一(yi)號令下統一(yi)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)行(xing)動,以(yi)(yi)發(fa)(fa)揮整體作(zuo)(zuo)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)能力(li)(li)。規定服從指揮者有(you)(you)賞,違犯者“身斬,妻子(zi)鬻”。在外交(jiao)上(shang),針(zhen)對“吳(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)兵(bing)加(jia)于(yu)(yu)(yu)齊(qi)晉,而怨結(jie)于(yu)(yu)(yu)楚(chu)”的(de)情況,采用“親于(yu)(yu)(yu)齊(qi),深結(jie)于(yu)(yu)(yu)晉,陰固(gu)于(yu)(yu)(yu)楚(chu),而厚事于(yu)(yu)(yu)吳(wu)(wu)”的(de)方(fang)針(zhen)(《吳(wu)(wu)越(yue)春秋·勾(gou)(gou)踐歸國(guo)外傳》)。厚事于(yu)(yu)(yu)吳(wu)(wu),即效法周文王(wang)(wang)(wang)對商紂(zhou)王(wang)(wang)(wang)“文伐”之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)謀略,以(yi)(yi)非戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)爭(zheng)手(shou)段(duan)瓦(wa)解、削弱(ruo)敵(di)人。主要(yao)措施(shi)有(you)(you),佯示忠誠,使吳(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)放松對越(yue)戒備,放手(shou)北上(shang)中(zhong)原爭(zheng)霸(ba),縱其(qi)所欲(yu),助長吳(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)愛(ai)好宮室、女(nv)色(se)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)欲(yu)望,使其(qi)大(da)興(xing)(xing)土木,耗費國(guo)力(li)(li);并行(xing)賄用間,擴大(da)吳(wu)(wu)統治集團內部(bu)矛盾,破壞其(qi)團結(jie)。施(shi)行(xing)十(shi)年,使得(de)越(yue)“荒無遺土,百(bai)姓親附”,國(guo)力(li)(li)復(fu)興(xing)(xing)。越(yue)軍(jun)亦成為(wei)(wei)一(yi)支(zhi)裝備精(jing)良、訓(xun)練有(you)(you)素且“人有(you)(you)致死(si)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)”的(de)精(jing)銳部(bu)隊。
吳攻陳魯齊
吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王夫(fu)差在(zai)征服越(yue)國(guo)后(hou),即積極(ji)作北(bei)(bei)進(jin)準備。伍員再次建議“定越(yue)而(er)(er)后(hou)圖齊”,認為(wei)越(yue)是“腹心之(zhi)病”,而(er)(er)“齊魯諸(zhu)侯不(bu)過疥(jie)癬”之(zhi)疾。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王仍未采納。三(san)十(shi)(shi)一年(nian)(nian)(nian)(前489年(nian)(nian)(nian)),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)先攻(gong)陳(chen)(今河南淮陽).以解除其(qi)北(bei)(bei)進(jin)時來自側(ce)翼的威(wei)脅。三(san)十(shi)(shi)三(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)攻(gong)魯,打開進(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)中原(yuan)的大(da)門。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)為(wei)建立北(bei)(bei)進(jin)戰(zhan)略基(ji)地及(ji)打通(tong)北(bei)(bei)進(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)事(shi)運輸交(jiao)通(tong)線(xian),于三(san)十(shi)(shi)四年(nian)(nian)(nian)在(zai)長江北(bei)(bei)岸營建了規模宏大(da)的邗城(今江蘇(su)揚州(zhou)),開鑿(zao)了由今揚州(zhou)經射陽湖至(zhi)淮安之(zhi)邗溝,溝通(tong)江、淮水(shui)域,并進(jin)而(er)(er)與泗、沂(yi)、濟水(shui)聯(lian)結。三(san)十(shi)(shi)五年(nian)(nian)(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)率(lv)魯、邾、郯等國(guo)聯(lian)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)由陸上攻(gong)齊;派大(da)夫(fu)徐承率(lv)水(shui)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)由長江入海,向山東(dong)(dong)半(ban)島迂回(hui),攻(gong)齊側(ce)后(hou)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)水(shui)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)海上作戰(zhan)失利(li),陸上聯(lian)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)遂退回(hui)(參(can)見吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)魯邾郯攻(gong)齊之(zhi)戰(zhan))。三(san)十(shi)(shi)六年(nian)(nian)(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)再次攻(gong)齊,在(zai)艾陵(今山東(dong)(dong)萊(lai)蕪東(dong)(dong)北(bei)(bei))全殲齊軍(jun)(jun)(jun)精銳(rui)(參(can)見艾陵之(zhi)戰(zhan))。三(san)十(shi)(shi)八年(nian)(nian)(nian)(前482年(nian)(nian)(nian)),夫(fu)差率(lv)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)主(zhu)力進(jin)至(zhi)黃池(今河南封丘(qiu)西南),與晉及(ji)中原(yuan)諸(zhu)侯會盟,“欲霸(ba)(ba)中國(guo)”。此時吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)之(zhi)霸(ba)(ba)業達于頂點。
越滅吳
當吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)夫(fu)差(cha)在黃池與晉定公爭作盟(meng)主(zhu)(zhu)時(shi),越(yue)(yue)王(wang)勾踐(jian)分兵兩(liang)路攻(gong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)。一(yi)部兵力自(zi)海(hai)入淮,斷吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)主(zhu)(zhu)力回援(yuan)之路,掩護主(zhu)(zhu)力作戰(zhan);其(qi)自(zi)率主(zhu)(zhu)力直(zhi)趨(qu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)都(dou),在郊區泓(hong)水(shui)殲滅迎(ying)戰(zhan)之吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun),并乘勢攻(gong)入吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)都(dou)。夫(fu)差(cha)南(nan)歸,恐因國都(dou)失守士(shi)氣下降(jiang)及遠程(cheng)奔返(fan)造成(cheng)部隊疲憊、決戰(zhan)不(bu)利,派人請和(he)(he)。勾踐(jian)亦以(yi)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)主(zhu)(zhu)力未損,不(bu)愿進(jin)(jin)行(xing)無把握的決戰(zhan),遂與吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)訂和(he)(he)約后撤軍(jun)。四十二年(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國發(fa)(fa)生災荒。越(yue)(yue)乘機發(fa)(fa)動進(jin)(jin)攻(gong),與迎(ying)戰(zhan)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)在笠(li)澤(在今(jin)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)蘇(su)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)一(yi)帶)隔江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)相峙。越(yue)(yue)軍(jun)利用夜暗,以(yi)兩(liang)翼佯渡誘使吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)分兵,然后集中精銳,實施敵前潛渡、中間突(tu)破,并連(lian)續進(jin)(jin)攻(gong),擴(kuo)大戰(zhan)果(guo),創(chuang)造了中國戰(zhan)爭史上較早(zao)的河川進(jin)(jin)攻(gong)的成(cheng)功(gong)戰(zhan)例(參見笠(li)澤之戰(zhan))。笠(li)澤之戰(zhan)后,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、越(yue)(yue)力量對比發(fa)(fa)生了根(gen)本變化,越(yue)(yue)已(yi)占有絕(jue)對優(you)勢。周元(yuan)王(wang)元(yuan)年(nian)(前475年(nian)),越(yue)(yue)再度攻(gong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)無力迎(ying)戰(zhan),據都(dou)城防守。越(yue)(yue)于吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)都(dou)西南(nan)郊筑城,謀長(chang)期圍困。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)八次遣使請和(he)(he),均遭(zao)越(yue)(yue)拒(ju)絕(jue)。三年(nian),城破,夫(fu)差(cha)自(zi)殺,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)亡(參見《越(yue)(yue)滅吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)之戰(zhan)》條(tiao))。勾踐(jian)率軍(jun)“北渡江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)淮,與齊(qi)、晉諸侯會于徐州”。周元(yuan)王(wang)封(feng)勾踐(jian)為(wei)伯(bo)。“越(yue)(yue)兵橫行(xing)于江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)淮東,諸侯畢賀(he),號稱霸王(wang)”(《史記·越(yue)(yue)王(wang)勾踐(jian)世(shi)家》),越(yue)(yue)終于成(cheng)為(wei)春(chun)秋(qiu)時(shi)期的最后一(yi)任霸主(zhu)(zhu)。
此戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan),吳(wu)王夫差不聽伍(wu)員之言,養(yang)虎為(wei)患(huan),終遭(zao)滅國。而越王勾踐則臥薪嘗膽(dan),養(yang)精蓄(xu)銳,并聽取謀臣文種、范(fan)蠡(li)之言,主要靠謀略制勝;親齊、結晉(jin)、聯楚(chu)的外交策略,在(zai)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)爭中(zhong)發揮了重要作(zuo)用。這說明春秋末期的戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)爭,已發展為(wei)智戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)。當時人(ren)即認(ren)為(wei)“夫戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan),智為(wei)始,仁次之,勇次之。”(《國語(yu)·吳(wu)語(yu)》記楚(chu)將申包胥言)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)爭中(zhong)還出現了早期入(ru)海遠航(hang)作(zuo)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)及河川進(jin)攻等新的作(zuo)戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)方(fang)法。
大國爭霸
大國爭霸(ba)是春(chun)秋(qiu)時(shi)代的(de)(de)(de)顯著特征。在(zai)(zai)齊桓公(gong)首(shou)霸(ba)之后(hou),晉(jin)、楚(chu)兩國相繼而(er)起,逐(zhu)鹿中原,爭當盟主,但(dan)終因(yin)旗(qi)鼓相當,勢均力(li)敵,在(zai)(zai)春(chun)秋(qiu)中葉(xie)以(yi)后(hou),出現并(bing)霸(ba)的(de)(de)(de)局面。在(zai)(zai)這(zhe)樣的(de)(de)(de)形勢下,晉(jin)景公(gong)采納申公(gong)巫臣的(de)(de)(de)意見,開始聯合吳國,企圖利用吳國牽制楚(chu)國的(de)(de)(de)右翼,使楚(chu)國不(bu)能騰出手(shou)來招駕晉(jin)國的(de)(de)(de)攻勢,從(cong)而(er)謀利。
爭霸過程
吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)偏居(ju)東南(nan)沿海地區,與越(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)為(wei)鄰,有斷(duan)(duan)發文身之俗。據《吳(wu)(wu)越(yue)(yue)春(chun)秋》記載,當時(shi)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)“險(xian)阻潤濕,又(you)有江海之害,君(jun)無守(shou)御,民無所依(yi),倉庫不設(she),田疇不墾。”嚴格地說(shuo),它還(huan)不能(neng)算(suan)是(shi)(shi)一(yi)個(ge)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia),只(zhi)是(shi)(shi)一(yi)個(ge)部(bu)落(luo)群體。在(zai)(zai)中(zhong)原(yuan)(yuan)列國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)眼里,吳(wu)(wu)是(shi)(shi)一(yi)個(ge)經濟、文化(hua)十分落(luo)后的(de)(de)蠻夷之國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。公(gong)(gong)元前五八四(si)年(nian),晉(jin)景公(gong)(gong)派申(shen)公(gong)(gong)巫臣到(dao)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)傳授車戰(zhan)射御的(de)(de)技術,并(bing)唆使(shi)(shi)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)背叛楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。于(yu)是(shi)(shi)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)不斷(duan)(duan)侵伐楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),又(you)攻打巢、徐(xu)等吳(wu)(wu)楚(chu)(chu)之間(jian)的(de)(de)小國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),弄得(de)(de)楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)忙(mang)于(yu)應戰(zhan),疲于(yu)奔(ben)命。在(zai)(zai)晉(jin)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)扶植下(xia),吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)事力量發展得(de)(de)很(hen)快,國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)土日(ri)益擴展,聲望日(ri)益提高。中(zhong)原(yuan)(yuan)諸侯國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)和吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)開始建立了(le)(le)(le)聯系。公(gong)(gong)元前五二二年(nian),伍子(zi)胥從(cong)楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)逃到(dao)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),做了(le)(le)(le)相國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。他教給吳(wu)(wu)王(wang)闔(he)閭“立城郭,設(she)守(shou)備、實(shi)倉廩,治(zhi)府(fu)庫”等“安君(jun)治(zhi)民,興(xing)霸(ba)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)”之道(《吳(wu)(wu)越(yue)(yue)春(chun)秋》),使(shi)(shi)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)由極為(wei)落(luo)后的(de)(de)蠻夷之邦,一(yi)躍而成(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)事強國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。公(gong)(gong)元五○六年(nian),吳(wu)(wu)王(wang)闔(he)閭以孫武(wu)(wu)為(wei)大(da)(da)(da)將(jiang)伍子(zi)胥為(wei)副將(jiang),聯合蔡(cai)、唐兩國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)興(xing)師伐楚(chu)(chu)。孫武(wu)(wu)是(shi)(shi)杰出的(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)事家(jia),為(wei)了(le)(le)(le)切(qie)斷(duan)(duan)楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)本(ben)部(bu)與方(fang)城之外的(de)(de)聯系,他采(cai)取(qu)(qu)中(zhong)間(jian)突破的(de)(de)戰(zhan)略,率領(ling)吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)從(cong)淮河流域西(xi)進,至(zhi)淮汭(rui)舍(she)舟登陸,翻(fan)越(yue)(yue)大(da)(da)(da)別(bie)山,與此同時(shi),唐軍(jun)(jun)(jun)東進襲(xi)取(qu)(qu)大(da)(da)(da)隧、直(zhi)轅、冥(ming)(ming)厄三隘(ai)(在(zai)(zai)今(jin)武(wu)(wu)勝(sheng)關一(yi)帶(dai)),蔡(cai)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)循(xun)汝水至(zhi)淮河、南(nan)下(xia)直(zhi)取(qu)(qu)訾梁(在(zai)(zai)今(jin)固始縣)。這(zhe)兩支偏師堵住(zhu)了(le)(le)(le)楚(chu)(chu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)北(bei)上中(zhong)原(yuan)(yuan),東通齊、魯的(de)(de)要道,從(cong)側翼牽制住(zhu)楚(chu)(chu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun),使(shi)(shi)楚(chu)(chu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)不敢正面迎(ying)擊吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun),而吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)卻(que)乘機掃(sao)蕩楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)東境沿途的(de)(de)城鎮,從(cong)容西(xi)進,跟蔡(cai)、唐兩路軍(jun)(jun)(jun)隊會師,將(jiang)楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)攔腰截為(wei)兩段,隔漢水同楚(chu)(chu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)對峙。楚(chu)(chu)司(si)(si)馬(ma)沈系戍發現問題的(de)(de)嚴重(zhong)性,向令尹(yin)(yin)子(zi)常建議:“請令尹(yin)(yin)封鎖漢水,自己以方(fang)城外人毀掉吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)舍(she)棄的(de)(de)舟船,回(hui)過(guo)頭來(lai)封住(zhu)大(da)(da)(da)隧、直(zhi)轅、冥(ming)(ming)厄三隘(ai),然(ran)(ran)后夾擊吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun),一(yi)定能(neng)勝(sheng)利(li)。”令尹(yin)(yin)子(zi)常接受了(le)(le)(le)這(zhe)個(ge)建議。可(ke)惜,當他聽楚(chu)(chu)大(da)(da)(da)夫史皇說(shuo):“現在(zai)(zai)楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)人都(dou)怨惡(e)令尹(yin)(yin),喜(xi)歡司(si)(si)馬(ma),假使(shi)(shi)采(cai)取(qu)(qu)司(si)(si)馬(ma)的(de)(de)建議,那(nei)么戰(zhan)勝(sheng)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)功績就(jiu)全歸司(si)(si)馬(ma)了(le)(le)(le)。”就(jiu)斷(duan)(duan)然(ran)(ran)改變主(zhu)意(yi),輕率地領(ling)兵渡漢水,與吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)對陣于(yu)柏舉(ju)(今(jin)湖水麻城),結(jie)果一(yi)敗涂地。吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)乘勝(sheng)窮追猛(meng)打,五戰(zhan)五勝(sheng),攻古了(le)(le)(le)楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)郢都(dou)。
楚國的慘敗(bai)有內(nei)外兩方面原因。
外因
晉(jin)、吳聯合力量(liang)超過楚(chu)國;
內因
楚國政治腐敗。
而(er)起決(jue)定作用(yong)的(de)(de)是內(nei)因。楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)政治(zhi)腐敗突出(chu)表現于(yu)(yu)用(yong)人(ren)問題(ti)上(shang)。楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)出(chu)人(ren)才(cai),可楚(chu)平王(wang)專信(xin)奸邪,加害(hai)賢良,后(hou)來(lai)楚(chu)昭王(wang)上(shang)臺(tai),也胸無(wu)大志,只勉強立國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),致使大批人(ren)才(cai)有的(de)(de)消沉,有的(de)(de)流走。象范蠡,出(chu)身(shen)于(yu)(yu)布衣之(zhi)家(jia),有匡世奇才(cai),而(er)“時人(ren)盡(jin)以(yi)為狂”(《越絕書》)。他琢(zhuo)磨,楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)不(bu)用(yong),自己不(bu)能直接報效于(yu)(yu)父母之(zhi)邦,不(bu)如東(dong)(dong)去(qu)助(zhu)越,以(yi)越制(zhi)吳(wu),消除楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)東(dong)(dong)顧(gu)之(zhi)憂,將全部的(de)(de)才(cai)智(zhi)曲折地貢獻給(gei)生養自己的(de)(de)故國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。于(yu)(yu)是,他邀好友文種一起告別了家(jia)鄉(xiang),踏上(shang)東(dong)(dong)去(qu)越國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)道路。
越國
越(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)是(shi)古代(dai)越(yue)族建立(li)的(de)(de)(de)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家。傳說其(qi)先祖乃大禹的(de)(de)(de)后裔,被(bei)(bei)封于會稽(今浙江(jiang)紹興),“文身斷發,被(bei)(bei)草萊而(er)邑”(《史記·越(yue)王勾踐(jian)世(shi)家》),歷二十(shi)余世(shi)而(er)至允常。公元前五一○年(nian),吳(wu)(wu)王闔閭(lv)攻越(yue),正是(shi)允常在位時。吳(wu)(wu)王闔閭(lv)攻占郢都后,慶功作(zuo)樂,流連忘返,國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)內很空虛。越(yue)王允常乘機(ji)襲(xi)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。吳(wu)(wu)王闔閭(lv)之弟夫概(gai)也(ye)悄悄溜回(hui)吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),自立(li)為(wei)王。恰巧這(zhe)時,楚(chu)大夫申包胥(xu)哭(ku)秦庭七日,求來救兵,吳(wu)(wu)王闔閭(lv)被(bei)(bei)迫跟楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)講和,匆忙回(hui)師,趕跑夫概(gai),保住王位,而(er)楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)也(ye)僥幸(xing)復活(huo)。楚(chu)昭(zhao)王接受(shou)了痛苦的(de)(de)(de)教訓,開(kai)始勵(li)精(jing)圖治。為(wei)了解除吳(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)對楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)(de)威脅,他(ta)采(cai)取聯越(yue)制吳(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)(de)策略。
吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)闔(he)閭決心(xin)(xin)打敗(bai)(bai)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。公(gong)(gong)(gong)元(yuan)前四(si)九六年(nian)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)(wang)允常(chang)死(si)(si),其(qi)子(zi)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)繼(ji)位。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)起兵(bing)攻越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)兩(liang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)戰(zhan)于(yu)(yu)檇李(今浙江(jiang)嘉興南(nan))。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)陣列(lie)整齊(qi)嚴肅,越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)派敢(gan)死(si)(si)隊(dui)沖(chong)鋒失(shi)敗(bai)(bai),就(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)改用罪人(ren)在(zai)陣前集體(ti)自(zi)殺(sha),吸(xi)引吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)注意(yi)(yi)力,然后(hou)(hou)空襲(xi)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)將(jiang)靈(ling)姑(gu)浮揮(hui)戈刺(ci)傷吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)闔(he)閭,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)敗(bai)(bai)退,闔(he)閭死(si)(si)于(yu)(yu)途中,其(qi)子(zi)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)繼(ji)位。夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)將(jiang)闔(he)閭葬于(yu)(yu)虎丘。夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)派專(zhuan)人(ren)侍立宮(gong)門,每(mei)逢夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)出(chu)入,便(bian)發(fa)問(wen):“夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)(wang)殺(sha)害你父(fu)親的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)仇恨你忘掉(diao)(diao)(diao)了嗎?”夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)則回答(da):“不(bu)敢(gan)忘,不(bu)敢(gan)忘!”過了兩(liang)年(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)出(chu)動(dong)精兵(bing)攻越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。夫(fu)(fu)椒(古山(shan)名,在(zai)今江(jiang)蘇吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)縣(xian)西南(nan)太湖中)一(yi)戰(zhan),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)大(da)(da)(da)敗(bai)(bai)。越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)僅(jin)剩五千人(ren),被吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)包圍于(yu)(yu)會(hui)(hui)稽(ji)山(shan)。文仲、范蠡(li)說服勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)忍(ren)辱圖(tu)存,厚(hou)賂吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)寵臣(chen)(chen)伯(bo)(bo)嚭(pi),向吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)求和(he)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)相國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)伍子(zi)胥(xu)表示反對(dui)(dui),他舉夏代少康中興的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)故事(shi),勸告吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang),消滅(mie)(mie)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),以(yi)絕后(hou)(hou)患(huan)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)太宰伯(bo)(bo)嚭(pi)既(ji)貪圖(tu)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)財貨,又嫉妒相國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)伍子(zi)胥(xu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)功勞,極力慫恿吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)答(da)應(ying)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)請求。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)終于(yu)(yu)允許求和(he),但條件是(shi)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)必須臣(chen)(chen)服于(yu)(yu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),并要(yao)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)到(dao)(dao)(dao)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)為奴三(san)年(nian)。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)帶范蠡(li)來到(dao)(dao)(dao)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)當馬(ma)夫(fu)(fu)。每(mei)天(tian)(tian)早(zao)上(shang)喂馬(ma)擦車,以(yi)備(bei)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)田獵,游玩(wan);晚上(shang)棲身(shen)(shen)于(yu)(yu)石屋,守在(zai)闔(he)閭的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)墳(fen)旁,期(qi)待三(san)年(nian)一(yi)過,重返越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),最使勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)君臣(chen)(chen)提心(xin)(xin)吊膽的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)伍子(zi)胥(xu),他常(chang)常(chang)勸吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)殺(sha)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)。因(yin)此(ci),勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)必須裝出(chu)萬分(fen)(fen)忠于(yu)(yu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)表現,而且不(bu)能讓吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)發(fa)覺半點(dian)矯(jiao)飾做作。范蠡(li)為此(ci)煞費苦心(xin)(xin),他聽到(dao)(dao)(dao)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)病了,就(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)動(dong)員勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)為吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)嘗溲辨疾,以(yi)感動(dong)他。這招果然靈(ling)驗,夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)誤以(yi)為勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)確實屈服了,便(bian)如期(qi)放他回國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)回國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)后(hou)(hou),身(shen)(shen)邊總放著(zhu)一(yi)個苦膽,坐臥飲(yin)食不(bu)忘先嘗苦膽,借以(yi)牢記會(hui)(hui)稽(ji)之(zhi)(zhi)辱。范蠡(li)為勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)制定一(yi)套(tao)保民、富(fu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)、強兵(bing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)方(fang)針(zhen)。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)親自(zi)耕田,夫(fu)(fu)人(ren)親自(zi)織(zhi)布,食不(bu)加(jia)肉(rou),衣不(bu)重彩,禮賢下士,賑貧(pin)恤死(si)(si),深得(de)民心(xin)(xin),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)很快富(fu)起來。相反,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)因(yin)勝利而驕傲自(zi)滿,腐化墮(duo)落,偏信(xin)奸佞(ning)術宰伯(bo)(bo)嚭(pi),殺(sha)害忠誠的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)相國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)子(zi)胥(xu),政(zheng)治日趨腐敗(bai)(bai)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)看不(bu)到(dao)(dao)(dao)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)是(shi)自(zi)己的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)心(xin)(xin)腹之(zhi)(zhi)患(huan),一(yi)心(xin)(xin)想北(bei)上(shang)爭霸(ba)。公(gong)(gong)(gong)元(yuan)前四(si)八(ba)年(nian),他乘齊(qi)景公(gong)(gong)(gong)新死(si)(si)之(zhi)(zhi)機,伐(fa)齊(qi),在(zai)艾陵打敗(bai)(bai)齊(qi)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)。公(gong)(gong)(gong)元(yuan)前四(si)八(ba)二年(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)通(tong)知(zhi)中原諸侯到(dao)(dao)(dao)黃池(chi)(今河(he)南(nan)封丘縣(xian)西南(nan))開會(hui)(hui)。會(hui)(hui)上(shang),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、晉兩(liang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)爭當盟主(zhu),結果歃血(xue)時(shi),先吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)后(hou)(hou)晉,魯、邾(zhu)等小國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)也(ye)分(fen)(fen)別“賦于(yu)(yu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)八(ba)百乘”和(he)“六百乘”(《國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)語(yu)·楚語(yu)》)。黃池(chi)之(zhi)(zhi)會(hui)(hui)使吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)達(da)到(dao)(dao)(dao)了北(bei)上(shang)稱霸(ba)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)目的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de),但也(ye)標志(zhi)著(zhu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)霸(ba)業的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)終結。 就(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)在(zai)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)參加(jia)黃池(chi)之(zhi)(zhi)會(hui)(hui)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)時(shi)候。越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)率兵(bing)攻進(jin)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)都(dou),俘虜(lu)了太子(zi)友。夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)聞(wen)訊后(hou)(hou),急忙從北(bei)方(fang)撤軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)回國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。但吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)長途跋涉(she),疲(pi)勞不(bu)堪,無法(fa)抵(di)抗越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)進(jin)攻。夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)只(zhi)得(de)派伯(bo)(bo)嚭(pi)攜帶豐厚(hou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)禮物去(qu)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)求和(he)。越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)估量(liang)眼(yan)下還不(bu)能滅(mie)(mie)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),就(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)答(da)應(ying)同吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)講(jiang)和(he)。公(gong)(gong)(gong)元(yuan)前四(si)七八(ba)年(nian),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)再次攻吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。兩(liang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)在(zai)笠澤夾水對(dui)(dui)陣。夜里,越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)左右兩(liang)小隊(dui)兵(bing)卒或(huo)左或(huo)右,擊鼓吶喊,佯攻吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)兩(liang)翼。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)分(fen)(fen)兵(bing)防御,而越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)三(san)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)主(zhu)力暗(an)暗(an)涉(she)水,猛(meng)攻吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)中軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)大(da)(da)(da)敗(bai)(bai)。公(gong)(gong)(gong)元(yuan)前四(si)七三(san)年(nian),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)第三(san)次大(da)(da)(da)規(gui)模進(jin)攻吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),將(jiang)夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)包圍在(zai)姑(gu)蘇山(shan)上(shang)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)正派公(gong)(gong)(gong)孫雄肉(rou)袒膝行,向越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)求和(he)。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)想答(da)應(ying),范蠡(li)說:“過去(qu)天(tian)(tian)意(yi)(yi)叫吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)滅(mie)(mie)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),可吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)偏偏不(bu)干;現在(zai)天(tian)(tian)意(yi)(yi)叫越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)滅(mie)(mie)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),難道(dao)大(da)(da)(da)王(wang)(wang)(wang)要(yao)違背天(tian)(tian)意(yi)(yi)嗎?”吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)使聞(wen)聽淚如雨下。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)遂說:“請夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)遷到(dao)(dao)(dao)甬江(jiang)以(yi)東,讓他管理一(yi)百戶(hu)人(ren)家。”夫(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)羞愧交集,對(dui)(dui)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)說:“我(wo)真沒臉見子(zi)胥(xu)呀(ya)?”
這時,越(yue)國已(yi)成為(wei)(wei)地跨江、淮的東(dong)方大國。越(yue)王勾踐(jian)(jian)率領軍隊北渡淮河(he),在徐州(今(jin)山(shan)東(dong)滕州市(shi)(shi))與齊、宋、晉、魯等國諸侯會盟。各國都(dou)聽越(yue)的號令。周(zhou)元(yuan)王正式派(pai)人賜(si)給勾踐(jian)(jian)祭肉(rou),命他為(wei)(wei)霸主。此后,勾踐(jian)(jian)為(wei)(wei)長(chang)期(qi)稱霸中原,遷都(dou)瑯琊(今(jin)山(shan)東(dong)諸城市(shi)(shi))。直到戰國中期(qi),越(yue)國才被(bei)楚國打敗。