左懋第(1601年(nian)(nian)-1645年(nian)(nian)),字(zi)仲及,號蘿石,山(shan)東萊(lai)陽人。大明(ming)赴(fu)清談和使者,后被清朝扣押(ya),寧死不降,后人稱(cheng)“明(ming)末文天祥(xiang)”。明(ming)朝末年(nian)(nian),國家內憂外患,危機四伏,大廈將傾,萊(lai)陽進士左懋第卻登上了人生(sheng)最壯美(mei)的舞臺。他治理韓(han)城(cheng),政績(ji)優異,考選欽定第一,由知(zhi)縣擢升(sheng)朝中擔任要職,成為(wei)威宗皇帝信任的股肱(gong)之臣。崇禎甲(jia)申(1644),清兵(bing)入(ru)關,國難當(dang)頭,他挺(ting)身而出,與清朝攝政王多爾袞唇槍舌劍,堅決維護(hu)大明(ming)尊嚴(yan)。面(mian)對酷刑(xing)和威逼利誘,他寧作大明(ming)鬼,不當(dang)清朝王,成為(wei)比(bi)肩文天祥(xiang)的民族英雄(xiong)。
萊陽(yang)左(zuo)氏(shi),一世祖左(zuo)原。明永(yong)樂間(jian)自章(zhang)丘遷徙至(zhi)萊陽(yang)。左(zuo)原生(sheng)(sheng)左(zuo)盛,左(zuo)盛生(sheng)(sheng)左(zuo)方,左(zuo)方生(sheng)(sheng)文升,文升生(sheng)(sheng)奎(kui)、英、彥(yan)。左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)祖父(fu)左(zuo)奎(kui),生(sheng)(sheng)之(zhi)龍(long)、之(zhi)藩、之(zhi)禎。左(zuo)之(zhi)龍(long)(1550-1623),字用化,號云樓,萬歷(li)己卯(1579)舉人,歷(li)任(ren)河北(bei)房山、良(liang)鄉知縣(xian),陜西(xi)西(xi)華知縣(xian),延安(an)府同知,灤州知州,署北(bei)平太守(shou),南京刑部(bu)廣東司(si)員(yuan)外郎、河南司(si)郎中。誥授奉政(zheng)大夫、敕封光祿(lu)大夫。繼配陳(chen)(chen)氏(shi),寧海指(zhi)揮僉事陳(chen)(chen)治安(an)長女,敕封夫人,生(sheng)(sheng)左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)。左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)、左(zuo)之(zhi)龍(long)墓(mu)地在(zai)萊陽(yang)市沐(mu)浴店鎮北(bei)旺村。
青年才俊少負大志(zhi)
萬歷四(si)十(shi)三年(nian)(1615),左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)與堂(tang)兄弟左(zuo)懋(mao)泰、左(zuo)懋(mao)芬、左(zuo)懋(mao)桂(gui)、左(zuo)良輔等人(ren)參加了(le)著名的(de)文(wen)社(she)山(shan)左(zuo)大社(she)(復社(she)分支)。據《萊陽縣(xian)志》記載,山(shan)左(zuo)大社(she)91名成員,萊陽人(ren)占了(le)十(shi)之(zhi)六七。左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)經常參加交游聚會,切磋學問,評說時局,文(wen)名遠(yuan)揚。左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)的(de)父親(qin)在(zai)萊陽城西(xi)郊建有(you)“西(xi)墅草堂(tang)”,草堂(tang)中(zhong)(zhong)有(you)一(yi)(yi)處“浴月臺”,左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)經常與兄弟和同學來此讀(du)書,詩(shi)文(wen)唱和。母親(qin)陳(chen)氏,是寧海州(今牟(mou)平)指(zhi)揮僉事陳(chen)治安之(zhi)女,懋(mao)第(di)(di)經常往來于萊陽、寧海之(zhi)間。天啟(qi)二(er)年(nian)(1622),左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)游昆崳山(shan)煙(yan)霞洞,聽聞寧海州張(zhang)(zhang)國俊(jun)將(jiang)軍(jun)在(zai)平定白蓮教之(zhi)亂中(zhong)(zhong)戰死(si),年(nian)僅28歲,懋(mao)第(di)(di)十(shi)分惋惜,作(zuo)詩(shi)《挽張(zhang)(zhang)將(jiang)軍(jun)》:“孰(shu)若(ruo)海上(shang)張(zhang)(zhang)將(jiang)軍(jun),慷慨殺賊生絕?。……血(xue)漬寒(han)沙英魂歸,風悲鬼嘯昏白晝。”天啟(qi)三年(nian)(1623),萊陽縣(xian)教諭朱(zhu)?在(zai)縣(xian)學里選拔(ba)左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)、張(zhang)(zhang)允掄等八位優秀(xiu)學生加上(shang)自己,組(zu)成“九龍社(she)”,一(yi)(yi)起(qi)上(shang)課研討(tao)學問,左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)頗受器(qi)重(zhong),成為(wei)(wei)“九龍”中(zhong)(zhong)的(de)佼佼者。后人(ren)評價(jia)他:“為(wei)(wei)諸(zhu)生,即負海內(nei)盛名。為(wei)(wei)文(wen)高古雄(xiong)奧,不可一(yi)(yi)世(shi)。”贊譽他:“學富五車二(er)酉,文(wen)追(zhui)東洛(luo)西(xi)京。”
左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)為(wei)(wei)人(ren)(ren)正直(zhi),胸懷大志(zhi),青少(shao)年(nian)時(shi)即關注國家命運。天(tian)啟六(liu)年(nian)(1626),權臣魏(wei)(wei)忠賢授(shou)意(yi)黨(dang)(dang)羽編編纂(zuan)《三(san)(san)朝會典》,借以誣(wu)陷打(da)擊東(dong)林(lin)黨(dang)(dang)人(ren)(ren)。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)讀后(hou)(hou)不勝(sheng)憤恨(hen),認為(wei)(wei)這是(shi)(shi)“變亂是(shi)(shi)非,顛倒賢佞。”手(shou)(shou)指纂(zuan)修(xiu)諸人(ren)(ren)姓名(ming),說:“此(ci)皆(jie)邪佞之(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)(ren)。”手(shou)(shou)擊紙碎。當他得知(zhi)翰林(lin)院編修(xiu)陳(chen)明卿先生(sheng)因得罪魏(wei)(wei)忠賢而被削職(zhi)時(shi),十分氣憤,作(zuo)文予以抨(peng)擊,抒發心中(zhong)不平。崇(chong)禎(zhen)二(er)(er)年(nian)(1629),白蓮(lian)教教徒董(dong)(dong)大成聚眾五千(qian)人(ren)(ren)圍攻(gong)萊(lai)(lai)陽縣(xian)(xian)城(cheng)(cheng)。萊(lai)(lai)陽承平已久,人(ren)(ren)不識兵,形勢非常危急,縣(xian)(xian)衙只好組織城(cheng)(cheng)里(li)的(de)(de)(de)(de)紳士、市(shi)民(min)自(zi)衛。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)自(zi)告奮(fen)勇,登上城(cheng)(cheng)墻,開炮擊賊,結(jie)果炮膛炸裂(lie),自(zi)己(ji)差點(dian)被炸死。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)仍奮(fen)不顧身,簡單包(bao)扎后(hou)(hou),再次舉炮轟擊敵人(ren)(ren),并擊中(zhong)敵人(ren)(ren)首領。董(dong)(dong)大成見(jian)取勝(sheng)無(wu)望,率眾遁(dun)去,后(hou)(hou)逃(tao)至蒙陰被殺。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)(de)(de)英勇事(shi)跡(ji)傳遍膠東(dong)士林(lin),這次戰斗也是(shi)(shi)他人(ren)(ren)生(sheng)中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)一次重要經歷(li),對日后(hou)(hou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)仕(shi)途生(sheng)涯產生(sheng)了重要影(ying)響。崇(chong)禎(zhen)三(san)(san)年(nian)(1630),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)鄉試考(kao)中(zhong)亞元(第(di)(di)(di)二(er)(er)名(ming)),翌年(nian)聯捷成進士。大詩(shi)人(ren)(ren)吳(wu)偉(wei)業(ye)、張(zhang)溥(pu)也高中(zhong)進士。萊(lai)(lai)陽縣(xian)(xian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)姜(jiang)?、沈(shen)迅則與左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)同榜,三(san)(san)人(ren)(ren)志(zhi)同道合,皆(jie)以志(zhi)節留(liu)名(ming)史冊,成為(wei)(wei)著(zhu)名(ming)的(de)(de)(de)(de)“明末萊(lai)(lai)陽三(san)(san)君子”。其時(shi)左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)(de)(de)叔父左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)之(zhi)(zhi)武任登州衛鎮(zhen)撫,姐夫(fu)孫承祖(zu)任登州衛游擊將(jiang)軍。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)與親友一起(qi)來(lai)(lai)到蓬萊(lai)(lai)游珠璣崖,見(jian)大魚長約數(shu)丈,出沒(mei)濤(tao)中(zhong),乃乘興題(ti)詩(shi)石壁:“水撲青天(tian)濤(tao)卷雪,石峰片(pian)片(pian)皆(jie)奇絕。浮(fu)白狂歌長吉詩(shi),元氣茫茫收不得。”崇(chong)禎(zhen)五年(nian)(1632)八月(yue)(yue),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)授(shou)陜西韓城(cheng)(cheng)知(zhi)縣(xian)(xian)。韓城(cheng)(cheng)地(di)處黃河之(zhi)(zhi)濱,歷(li)來(lai)(lai)有“秦中(zhong)最(zui)敝邑”之(zhi)(zhi)稱,由于連(lian)年(nian)災害,流寇四起(qi),民(min)不聊生(sheng),這對初(chu)出茅廬的(de)(de)(de)(de)左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)來(lai)(lai)說無(wu)疑是(shi)(shi)踏上仕(shi)途的(de)(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)一場(chang)嚴峻考(kao)驗。“郡縣(xian)(xian)治,天(tian)下安。”左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)熟讀史書和(he)儒家經典,深知(zhi)自(zi)己(ji)擔負的(de)(de)(de)(de)責任,面對艱(jian)難(nan)局面,沒(mei)有退縮,決(jue)心有所(suo)作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)。他在給恩(en)師陳(chen)明卿的(de)(de)(de)(de)信中(zhong)說:“聞(wen)命之(zhi)(zhi)初(chu),恐愧戰栗,知(zhi)不勝(sheng)任,嚴訓之(zhi)(zhi)下,不敢重違,勉為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)。”十月(yue)(yue),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)與母親一起(qi)來(lai)(lai)到韓城(cheng)(cheng),開始了十三(san)(san)年(nian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)仕(shi)宦生(sheng)涯。
1、韓城保衛戰
抗敵御(yu)寇(kou)(kou),保障(zhang)一(yi)(yi)方(fang)平安(an),維護(hu)群(qun)眾正(zheng)常的(de)生(sheng)(sheng)活生(sheng)(sheng)產(chan)秩序。崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)初年,農(nong)民(min)(min)(min)起(qi)(qi)義(yi)風起(qi)(qi)云涌,土匪盜(dao)賊(zei)四(si)(si)(si)起(qi)(qi),韓(han)(han)城(cheng)尤其(qi)猖獗。崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)五年(1632)十月(yue)(yue)(yue),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)剛到韓(han)(han)城(cheng),原任(ren)知縣外出未歸(gui),尚未正(zheng)式交接公務(wu),就(jiu)遇上(shang)(shang)(shang)流(liu)(liu)寇(kou)(kou)侵(qin)擾,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)隨即下(xia)令各鄉收斂糧畜,堅壁清野,接著征兵、調(diao)餉、防(fang)河(he)、守城(cheng),成功地擊退了(le)(le)敵人(ren)(ren)。韓(han)(han)城(cheng)西北山中(zhong)乃流(liu)(liu)賊(zei)舊巢,殘余(yu)(yu)五七百(bai)人(ren)(ren)盤踞山中(zhong),時常出山搶掠,農(nong)民(min)(min)(min)不敢上(shang)(shang)(shang)山耕(geng)種土地,附(fu)近(jin)百(bai)姓(xing)也無(wu)法安(an)生(sheng)(sheng)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)憤然(ran)曰(yue):“無(wu)農(nong),民(min)(min)(min)胡以為(wei)命(ming)?寇(kou)(kou)不清,民(min)(min)(min)又安(an)得(de)而農(nong)耶?”于(yu)是(shi),招募十一(yi)(yi)路民(min)(min)(min)兵,親(qin)自指揮,清剿山中(zhong)流(liu)(liu)賊(zei)余(yu)(yu)孽,部分(fen)(fen)逃(tao)往山西,相(xiang)戒以后“毋入(ru)韓(han)(han)境”。對于(yu)抓獲的(de)三四(si)(si)(si)十人(ren)(ren),則令其(qi)回(hui)家(jia)種田。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)下(xia)車伊始,果斷出手,指揮有方(fang),得(de)到韓(han)(han)城(cheng)士(shi)紳百(bai)姓(xing)的(de)贊許(xu)。崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)六(liu)年(1633)十二(er)月(yue)(yue)(yue),流(liu)(liu)寇(kou)(kou)千余(yu)(yu)人(ren)(ren)西渡黃河(he)侵(qin)襲韓(han)(han)城(cheng)。這一(yi)(yi)年韓(han)(han)城(cheng)夏(xia)無(wu)雨冬無(wu)雪,遭遇嚴重干(gan)旱。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)邊(bian)組(zu)織(zhi)抗旱救災,一(yi)(yi)邊(bian)戎(rong)裝上(shang)(shang)(shang)陣,親(qin)自督兵進山五十里追剿,指揮士(shi)兵于(yu)河(he)上(shang)(shang)(shang)作戰(zhan)(zhan),取得(de)勝(sheng)利。崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)七年(1634)二(er)、三月(yue)(yue)(yue),流(liu)(liu)寇(kou)(kou)再入(ru)韓(han)(han)城(cheng)。干(gan)旱導致莊稼(jia)絕收,韓(han)(han)城(cheng)發生(sheng)(sheng)饑荒。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)想方(fang)設法賑濟災民(min)(min)(min)的(de)同時,組(zu)織(zhi)協調(diao)軍隊御(yu)敵,敵退,乘勝(sheng)追擊120里而還。崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)八年(1635),農(nong)民(min)(min)(min)起(qi)(qi)義(yi)愈(yu)演愈(yu)烈,七月(yue)(yue)(yue)、十一(yi)(yi)月(yue)(yue)(yue)兩次侵(qin)擾韓(han)(han)城(cheng),韓(han)(han)城(cheng)全線告急。特別是(shi)十一(yi)(yi)月(yue)(yue)(yue)至(zhi)次年正(zheng)月(yue)(yue)(yue)的(de)40多(duo)天里,民(min)(min)(min)軍、流(liu)(liu)寇(kou)(kou)數萬人(ren)(ren)圍(wei)困(kun)縣城(cheng),日夜(ye)吶喊攻(gong)(gong)殺,戰(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)十分(fen)(fen)激烈,形勢岌岌可危。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)每日與守軍將領研(yan)究(jiu)戰(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)方(fang)案,“以火(huo)器(qi)擊之,以步兵接戰(zhan)(zhan),于(yu)城(cheng)外筑攔馬墻(qiang),城(cheng)內(nei)筑敵臺,伏義(yi)兵,設火(huo)炮,賊(zei)不能攻(gong)(gong),意(yi)在坐(zuo)困(kun)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)會商(shang)士(shi)紳相(xiang)約分(fen)(fen)守四(si)(si)(si)門,親(qin)自巡查(cha)城(cheng)防(fang),調(diao)度部署。西門最為(wei)緊要,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)夜(ye)宿其(qi)上(shang)(shang)(shang),意(yi)氣風發,閱(yue)讀(du)兵書,指揮若定。戰(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)閑(xian)暇(xia)“從容賦(fu)詩不少休(xiu),見(jian)者以為(wei)神人(ren)(ren)。”最后“賊(zei)不能入(ru),前后共(gong)攻(gong)(gong)四(si)(si)(si)十余(yu)(yu)日方(fang)引(yin)去。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)(di)知人(ren)(ren)善任(ren),身先士(shi)卒,枕戈待旦40余(yu)(yu)日,贏得(de)了(le)(le)韓(han)(han)城(cheng)保衛戰(zhan)(zhan)的(de)勝(sheng)利。
2、韓城為官,愛(ai)民(min)恤民(min)
左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)雖為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)一(yi)(yi)(yi)介書(shu)(shu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),但(dan)對(dui)(dui)用兵之(zhi)(zhi)法(fa)卻(que)有(you)(you)(you)一(yi)(yi)(yi)番獨到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)見解。崇(chong)禎四年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1631)冬,膠東發(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)登(deng)(deng)萊事變,明將(jiang)(jiang)孔有(you)(you)(you)德等攻陷登(deng)(deng)州,登(deng)(deng)州衛總兵張(zhang)扶輿自(zi)殺殉難(nan)(nan)。第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)二(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)得(de)(de)知(zhi)(zhi)好(hao)友殉難(nan)(nan),哀傷(shang)之(zhi)(zhi)余,為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)其(qi)(qi)《陣圖》一(yi)(yi)(yi)書(shu)(shu)作(zuo)序,說到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):“余書(shu)(shu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)知(zhi)(zhi)兵,然(ran)(ran)竊(qie)見其(qi)(qi)條理錯綜(zong),可(ke)教民(min)(min)(min)(min)猛果克戰斗(dou)。民(min)(min)(min)(min)之(zhi)(zhi)猛果生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),于(yu)(yu)將(jiang)(jiang)可(ke)恃,而(er)(er)(er)將(jiang)(jiang)之(zhi)(zhi)自(zi)恃,惟用兵有(you)(you)(you)法(fa)。”明末清(qing)(qing)初(chu)學者(zhe)(zhe)屈(qu)大(da)均(jun)則評價左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di):“初(chu)知(zhi)(zhi)韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)縣(xian)(xian)(xian),流(liu)寇(kou)三(san)薄韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),再(zai)躪其(qi)(qi)境,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)率(lv)士民(min)(min)(min)(min)而(er)(er)(er)戰,身(shen)當鋒,輒大(da)破走之(zhi)(zhi)。關中(zhong)保障,推懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)(yi)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)憑借(jie)忠勇謀略,力(li)保一(yi)(yi)(yi)方(fang)平(ping)安(an),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)僅地(di)(di)(di)方(fang)紳(shen)民(min)(min)(min)(min)稱贊(zan),省府政要、封(feng)疆大(da)吏(li)也對(dui)(dui)他(ta)刮目(mu)相看(kan)。全(quan)(quan)力(li)救(jiu)(jiu)災(zai),拯救(jiu)(jiu)饑(ji)(ji)(ji)民(min)(min)(min)(min),化解社會(hui)危機。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)初(chu)到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),忙于(yu)(yu)剿匪御(yu)寇(kou),幾(ji)乎無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)寧日。同(tong)時(shi),嚴(yan)(yan)重(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)災(zai)荒也給(gei)這位初(chu)來乍(zha)到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)青年(nian)(nian)(nian)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)令嚴(yan)(yan)峻(jun)考驗。崇(chong)禎五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1632)“冬無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)雪,春(chun)田(tian)(tian)遲,遂(sui)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)麥。夏又雨(yu)少,秋(qiu)霜早,殺谷無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)禾。”六年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1633),“冬又無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)雪,麥子(zi)(zi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)入(ru)地(di)(di)(di)”,七年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1634),“春(chun)又不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)雨(yu),地(di)(di)(di)皆焦土(tu)(tu)。”連(lian)(lian)續三(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)旱災(zai)使全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)陷入(ru)饑(ji)(ji)(ji)荒,許(xu)多(duo)(duo)人(ren)(ren)(ren)被餓死(si)。百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)從吃草根刮樹(shu)皮,發(fa)展到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)賣(mai)妻鬻子(zi)(zi),刮死(si)人(ren)(ren)(ren)肉而(er)(er)(er)食(shi)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)這位善良正(zheng)直(zhi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)封(feng)建(jian)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)令目(mu)睹慘狀,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)禁潸(shan)然(ran)(ran)淚下(xia)。他(ta)一(yi)(yi)(yi)邊(bian)(bian)把觸目(mu)驚心(xin)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)災(zai)情(qing)向上(shang)級(ji)如實報(bao)告,請求賑(zhen)濟,一(yi)(yi)(yi)邊(bian)(bian)想方(fang)設(she)法(fa)、竭盡全(quan)(quan)力(li)在(zai)(zai)全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)范圍(wei)內(nei)組織救(jiu)(jiu)災(zai)。崇(chong)禎六年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1633)年(nian)(nian)(nian)底,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)倡導“捐(juan)俸(feng)勸賑(zhen)法(fa)”,帶(dai)頭(tou)(tou)捐(juan)俸(feng)銀(yin)(yin)50兩(liang),發(fa)動官(guan)紳(shen)和(he)其(qi)(qi)他(ta)富(fu)有(you)(you)(you)而(er)(er)(er)好(hao)義者(zhe)(zhe)捐(juan)銀(yin)(yin)賑(zhen)濟饑(ji)(ji)(ji)民(min)(min)(min)(min),共(gong)得(de)(de)銀(yin)(yin)250兩(liang)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)親自(zi)下(xia)鄉排查(cha)(cha),查(cha)(cha)出餓得(de)(de)奄(yan)奄(yan)一(yi)(yi)(yi)息者(zhe)(zhe)3529人(ren)(ren)(ren)作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)重(zhong)點救(jiu)(jiu)助(zhu)對(dui)(dui)象,全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)分(fen)八(ba)(ba)個(ge)(ge)救(jiu)(jiu)濟點進行(xing)救(jiu)(jiu)助(zhu)。崇(chong)禎七年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1634)春(chun),災(zai)情(qing)加重(zhong),饑(ji)(ji)(ji)民(min)(min)(min)(min)越來越多(duo)(duo)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)實行(xing)“各(ge)里(li)(li)賑(zhen)各(ge)里(li)(li)法(fa)”,饑(ji)(ji)(ji)民(min)(min)(min)(min)由各(ge)里(li)(li)鄉紳(shen)和(he)有(you)(you)(you)威望的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)耆(qi)老(lao)核定,查(cha)(cha)出急(ji)需(xu)救(jiu)(jiu)濟者(zhe)(zhe)5200人(ren)(ren)(ren),由各(ge)里(li)(li)耆(qi)老(lao)主(zhu)持救(jiu)(jiu)濟。又查(cha)(cha)得(de)(de)里(li)(li)甲不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)收(shou)和(he)流(liu)浪街頭(tou)(tou)者(zhe)(zhe)311人(ren)(ren)(ren),在(zai)(zai)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)北門外(wai)設(she)粥廠賑(zhen)濟。同(tong)時(shi),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)把全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)饑(ji)(ji)(ji)民(min)(min)(min)(min)按照(zhao)“極(ji)貧(pin)、次(ci)貧(pin)、又次(ci)貧(pin)”分(fen)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)三(san)類,共(gong)計(ji)14000多(duo)(duo)人(ren)(ren)(ren),造(zao)冊上(shang)報(bao),得(de)(de)到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)朝廷賑(zhen)銀(yin)(yin)1437兩(liang)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)區別(bie)災(zai)民(min)(min)(min)(min)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)同(tong)情(qing)況發(fa)放賑(zhen)銀(yin)(yin),還(huan)(huan)對(dui)(dui)貧(pin)困的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)讀(du)書(shu)(shu)人(ren)(ren)(ren)給(gei)予特別(bie)照(zhao)顧,極(ji)貧(pin)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)18名(ming),每人(ren)(ren)(ren)給(gei)銀(yin)(yin)二(er)錢(qian)(qian),次(ci)貧(pin)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)29名(ming),每人(ren)(ren)(ren)給(gei)銀(yin)(yin)一(yi)(yi)(yi)錢(qian)(qian)五(wu)分(fen),盡力(li)使學子(zi)(zi)們(men)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)因(yin)(yin)貧(pin)困輟學。韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)嚴(yan)(yan)重(zhong)缺糧(liang)(liang),百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)數(shu)(shu)米而(er)(er)(er)炊,為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)防(fang)止市(shi)場糧(liang)(liang)價暴漲,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)自(zi)己捐(juan)俸(feng)買粟100石(shi)(shi),又發(fa)動其(qi)(qi)他(ta)官(guan)紳(shen)捐(juan)粟2000石(shi)(shi),設(she)置“常平(ping)倉”,在(zai)(zai)全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)實行(xing)“平(ping)準法(fa)”,平(ping)抑糧(liang)(liang)價,規定“私糶者(zhe)(zhe)禁,必至(zhi)于(yu)(yu)市(shi)。”使災(zai)民(min)(min)(min)(min)拿到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)賑(zhen)銀(yin)(yin)后(hou)能(neng)夠(gou)買到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)糧(liang)(liang)食(shi)。由于(yu)(yu)左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)賑(zhen)災(zai)得(de)(de)法(fa),措(cuo)施(shi)可(ke)行(xing),全(quan)(quan)活(huo)(huo)數(shu)(shu)萬人(ren)(ren)(ren),大(da)大(da)減(jian)少了(le)(le)死(si)亡和(he)流(liu)亡人(ren)(ren)(ren)數(shu)(shu),韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)十(shi)分(fen)感(gan)念他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)功(gong)德。愛(ai)民(min)(min)(min)(min)恤民(min)(min)(min)(min),為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)減(jian)免(mian)賦(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),減(jian)輕百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)負(fu)擔。韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)連(lian)(lian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)災(zai)害(hai),饑(ji)(ji)(ji)荒嚴(yan)(yan)重(zhong),但(dan)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)卻(que)仍然(ran)(ran)負(fu)擔沉重(zhong),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)下(xia)決(jue)(jue)心(xin)改變現狀,給(gei)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)一(yi)(yi)(yi)條活(huo)(huo)路(lu)。韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)“戶口不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)啻以十(shi)余萬計(ji),而(er)(er)(er)富(fu)者(zhe)(zhe)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)過十(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)二(er)、三(san),其(qi)(qi)余皆饑(ji)(ji)(ji)民(min)(min)(min)(min)矣。”而(er)(er)(er)且“賊殘之(zhi)(zhi)后(hou),民(min)(min)(min)(min)散其(qi)(qi)半(ban),地(di)(di)(di)荒其(qi)(qi)七。”饑(ji)(ji)(ji)民(min)(min)(min)(min)連(lian)(lian)飯都吃不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)上(shang),拿什么交(jiao)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)?因(yin)(yin)此全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)賦(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)拖欠(qian)(qian)嚴(yan)(yan)重(zhong),“(崇(chong)禎)四、五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)拖欠(qian)(qian)至(zhi)五(wu)千兩(liang),而(er)(er)(er)六年(nian)(nian)(nian)未完(wan),將(jiang)(jiang)浮于(yu)(yu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)萬兩(liang)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)毅然(ran)(ran)多(duo)(duo)次(ci)上(shang)書(shu)(shu),請求將(jiang)(jiang)韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)歷(li)年(nian)(nian)(nian)拖欠(qian)(qian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)賦(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)全(quan)(quan)部蠲免(mian),并暫緩征(zheng)收(shou)新稅(shui)(shui)(shui),給(gei)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)休養生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)息的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)機會(hui)。為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)國家征(zheng)收(shou)賦(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)本(ben)是一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)封(feng)建(jian)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)令最基本(ben)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)職責,考核升遷全(quan)(quan)賴(lai)于(yu)(yu)此。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)卻(que)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)忍心(xin)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)自(zi)己的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)功(gong)名(ming)利(li)祿而(er)(er)(er)向“無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)居(ju)、無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)衣、無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)食(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)、有(you)(you)(you)皮無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)肉之(zhi)(zhi)赤(chi)子(zi)(zi)”征(zheng)收(shou)賦(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),他(ta)說:“功(gong)令既(ji)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)寬我,我也甘之(zhi)(zhi)。”又說:“畏(wei)功(gong)令而(er)(er)(er)迫于(yu)(yu)催(cui)科,既(ji)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)完(wan)賦(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),而(er)(er)(er)又有(you)(you)(you)以傷(shang)國家之(zhi)(zhi)元氣,卑(bei)職所不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢(gan)出也。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)認(ren)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei):“民(min)(min)(min)(min)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)安(an)其(qi)(qi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),吏(li)難(nan)(nan)盡其(qi)(qi)職。”作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)封(feng)建(jian)官(guan)吏(li)能(neng)夠(gou)把百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)疾苦放在(zai)(zai)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)(yi)位,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)顧個(ge)(ge)人(ren)(ren)(ren)前(qian)(qian)途(tu)安(an)危,實屬難(nan)(nan)得(de)(de)。除了(le)(le)連(lian)(lian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)災(zai)荒,韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)(huo)貧(pin)困拖欠(qian)(qian)賦(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)還(huan)(huan)有(you)(you)(you)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)重(zhong)要原因(yin)(yin)就是空(kong)賠錢(qian)(qian)糧(liang)(liang)。韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)自(zi)嘉(jia)靖四十(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1561年(nian)(nian)(nian))丈(zhang)地(di)(di)(di)均(jun)糧(liang)(liang)以后(hou),按照(zhao)地(di)(di)(di)畝數(shu)(shu)繳納錢(qian)(qian)糧(liang)(liang)。韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)地(di)(di)(di)處黃(huang)河(he)(he)岸(an)(an)邊(bian)(bian),大(da)量(liang)土(tu)(tu)地(di)(di)(di)被沖毀崩塌,農民(min)(min)(min)(min)失(shi)去了(le)(le)土(tu)(tu)地(di)(di)(di),70多(duo)(duo)年(nian)(nian)(nian)來卻(que)一(yi)(yi)(yi)直(zhi)要按照(zhao)嘉(jia)靖四十(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)確定的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)畝數(shu)(shu)交(jiao)納賦(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),每年(nian)(nian)(nian)空(kong)賠銀(yin)(yin)糧(liang)(liang)兩(liang)千余石(shi)(shi),年(nian)(nian)(nian)復一(yi)(yi)(yi)年(nian)(nian)(nian),農民(min)(min)(min)(min)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)(huo)難(nan)(nan)以為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)繼(ji),“死(si)者(zhe)(zhe)半(ban)、逃者(zhe)(zhe)半(ban)”。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)下(xia)鄉巡視(shi),看(kan)到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)近岸(an)(an)村莊因(yin)(yin)“賠糧(liang)(liang)賣(mai)屋,屋盡人(ren)(ren)(ren)逃與(yu)死(si)也。沿河(he)(he)居(ju)民(min)(min)(min)(min),老(lao)幼(you)萬余人(ren)(ren)(ren)……皆身(shen)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)完(wan)衣。”面對(dui)(dui)慘狀,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)心(xin)急(ji)如焚。崇(chong)禎八(ba)(ba)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1635)十(shi)月,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)與(yu)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)內(nei)士紳(shen)反(fan)復磋商(shang),毅然(ran)(ran)決(jue)(jue)定在(zai)(zai)全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)范圍(wei)內(nei)重(zhong)新丈(zhang)量(liang)土(tu)(tu)地(di)(di)(di),平(ping)均(jun)田(tian)(tian)賦(fu),徹底改變韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)空(kong)賠錢(qian)(qian)糧(liang)(liang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)現狀,為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)“除百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)年(nian)(nian)(nian)之(zhi)(zhi)害(hai),興百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)年(nian)(nian)(nian)之(zhi)(zhi)利(li)。”這是一(yi)(yi)(yi)項極(ji)其(qi)(qi)復雜的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)工作(zuo),涉及(ji)(ji)到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)各(ge)個(ge)(ge)階層(ceng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)利(li)益,阻力(li)很大(da),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)做了(le)(le)精心(xin)細致的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)安(an)排。他(ta)頒(ban)布(bu)了(le)(le)《均(jun)地(di)(di)(di)法(fa)則示》,設(she)計(ji)了(le)(le)程(cheng)序嚴(yan)(yan)密的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)“三(san)番清(qing)(qing)丈(zhang)法(fa)”:各(ge)里(li)(li)自(zi)己清(qing)(qing)丈(zhang)地(di)(di)(di)畝數(shu)(shu),造(zao)《魚鱗冊》上(shang)報(bao)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)里(li)(li)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)再(zai)率(lv)人(ren)(ren)(ren)逐里(li)(li)抽丈(zhang),最后(hou)全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)28里(li)(li)互相復丈(zhang)。三(san)番清(qing)(qing)丈(zhang)后(hou),允(yun)許(xu)彼此舉報(bao),如有(you)(you)(you)揭(jie)發(fa)舉報(bao),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)則親自(zi)帶(dai)人(ren)(ren)(ren)前(qian)(qian)往(wang)丈(zhang)量(liang)。對(dui)(dui)于(yu)(yu)故意(yi)“隱漏”、“受(shou)賄”及(ji)(ji)“強(qiang)梁不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)公”者(zhe)(zhe),“依(yi)律定罪,決(jue)(jue)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)食(shi)言(yan)”。為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)防(fang)止有(you)(you)(you)人(ren)(ren)(ren)行(xing)賄,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)命所有(you)(you)(you)工作(zuo)人(ren)(ren)(ren)員(yuan)“各(ge)帶(dai)口糧(liang)(liang),遇村鎮隨便買食(shi),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)許(xu)地(di)(di)(di)方(fang)搭棚結(jie)彩,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)準備飯獻茶(cha)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)避(bi)勞怨,專精力(li)行(xing),從而(er)(er)(er)準確地(di)(di)(di)掌(zhang)握(wo)了(le)(le)全(quan)(quan)縣(xian)(xian)(xian)土(tu)(tu)地(di)(di)(di)數(shu)(shu)量(liang),做到(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)了(le)(le)“有(you)(you)(you)田(tian)(tian)則有(you)(you)(you)糧(liang)(liang),無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)田(tian)(tian)則無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)糧(liang)(liang)。”韓(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)數(shu)(shu)十(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)空(kong)賠錢(qian)(qian)糧(liang)(liang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)重(zhong)大(da)弊端(duan)終于(yu)(yu)革除了(le)(le),廣大(da)農民(min)(min)(min)(min)奔走相告,拍手稱快。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)指導編寫(xie)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)《魚鱗冊》,用來管理河(he)(he)岸(an)(an)灘地(di)(di)(di),解決(jue)(jue)了(le)(le)河(he)(he)水淹(yan)沒(mei)土(tu)(tu)地(di)(di)(di)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)地(di)(di)(di)可(ke)耕種和(he)河(he)(he)水退后(hou)土(tu)(tu)地(di)(di)(di)沒(mei)有(you)(you)(you)耕種仍要納稅(shui)(shui)(shui)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)難(nan)(nan)題,此舉深得(de)(de)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)認(ren)可(ke),后(hou)世沿用至(zhi)今。
崇(chong)尚節儉(jian),割除(chu)陋習,嚴禁奢(she)靡之風(feng)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)在(zai)韓城期間(jian),十分注(zhu)重訪聽民(min)間(jian)疾苦和風(feng)土人(ren)情。他(ta)“深山窮谷,足跡殆遍。”發現韓城習俗(su)有崇(chong)尚奢(she)侈之風(feng),“相沿(yan)不(bu)(bu)止(zhi),勢且繁多。”特別(bie)是(shi)婚(hun)(hun)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)嫁(jia)(jia)娶(qu)(qu)方(fang)面禮數繁瑣(suo),奢(she)侈浪費,一般百(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)負擔不(bu)(bu)起。男女婚(hun)(hun)姻,女方(fang)專索厚(hou)聘(pin),男方(fang)強索妝(zhuang)(zhuang)奩,“以(yi)至(zhi)富者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)貧,而貧者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)不(bu)(bu)能嫁(jia)(jia)女。生女則愁(chou)異日(ri)(ri)之費,有棄之不(bu)(bu)育者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)。”為(wei)(wei)(wei)死者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)發喪(sang)(sang)(sang),則流行大(da)(da)(da)擺酒(jiu)席(xi)、設(she)臺(tai)唱(chang)戲,妄費甚多,以(yi)至(zhi)于(yu)“父母病時(shi)不(bu)(bu)自憂其病,而憂其子(zi)(zi)之無所費。人(ren)子(zi)(zi)遇喪(sang)(sang)(sang),不(bu)(bu)一味哀痛(tong),反留心(xin)檢點諸(zhu)費,久(jiu)而不(bu)(bu)葬其親。”老百(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)結不(bu)(bu)起婚(hun)(hun)、埋不(bu)(bu)起死者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)感嘆:“奢(she)之為(wei)(wei)(wei)害,一至(zhi)于(yu)此!”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)認為(wei)(wei)(wei),韓城災害頻發,盜匪猖獗(jue),不(bu)(bu)盡是(shi)“天數使然”,百(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)奢(she)僭(jian)之風(feng),也“皆(jie)足致(zhi)異”。為(wei)(wei)(wei)嚴禁奢(she)靡,以(yi)挽風(feng)俗(su),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)與地士紳共同努力,韓城民(min)風(feng)為(wei)(wei)(wei)之一變。崇(chong)禎九年(nian)(1636)七月(yue)(yue),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)發布了著(zhu)名的(de)(de)(de)《崇(chong)儉(jian)書(shu)》告示,提出“以(yi)儉(jian)樸(pu)為(wei)(wei)(wei)風(feng)化(hua)之首”,明令限制和禁止(zhi)婚(hun)(hun)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)嫁(jia)(jia)娶(qu)(qu)中的(de)(de)(de)種種奢(she)糜風(feng)俗(su)。他(ta)根據官宦、士庶各個(ge)(ge)(ge)階層不(bu)(bu)同經濟條件,對(dui)婚(hun)(hun)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)嫁(jia)(jia)娶(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)(de)每個(ge)(ge)(ge)環節、每個(ge)(ge)(ge)細節都作(zuo)了質和量的(de)(de)(de)具體規(gui)(gui)定(ding),婚(hun)(hun)禮、喪(sang)(sang)(sang)禮形成定(ding)式。同時(shi)規(gui)(gui)定(ding),婚(hun)(hun)禮中禁止(zhi)沿(yan)街擺列妝(zhuang)(zhuang)奩,以(yi)示夸(kua)耀;喪(sang)(sang)(sang)禮中不(bu)(bu)許(xu)擺酒(jiu)設(she)宴(yan)、搭臺(tai)作(zuo)戲。除(chu)此之外,還對(dui)日(ri)(ri)常生活方(fang)面諸(zhu)如居處、穿衣(yi)、戴帽、宴(yan)會(hui)(hui)、禮尚往來(lai)等作(zuo)出量化(hua)從儉(jian)的(de)(de)(de)細致(zhi)規(gui)(gui)定(ding)。為(wei)(wei)(wei)使各項規(gui)(gui)定(ding)符合習俗(su)又切實可(ke)行,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)征(zheng)求各階層的(de)(de)(de)意(yi)見,用了三個(ge)(ge)(ge)月(yue)(yue)時(shi)間(jian)才得以(yi)定(ding)稿,公示于(yu)眾,要求縉(jin)紳士民(min)“各守(shou)其應得之分”,如有違犯,“許(xu)鄉(xiang)約(yue)鄰佑地方(fang)舉報”。因為(wei)(wei)(wei)這些措(cuo)施事先(xian)征(zheng)求了各個(ge)(ge)(ge)階層的(de)(de)(de)意(yi)見,先(xian)在(zai)鄉(xiang)紳中試行三個(ge)(ge)(ge)月(yue)(yue),之后(hou)順利(li)地在(zai)全縣(xian)推(tui)開。大(da)(da)(da)戶人(ren)家婚(hun)(hun)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)嫁(jia)(jia)娶(qu)(qu)時(shi)率先(xian)遵(zun)守(shou)《崇(chong)儉(jian)書(shu)》的(de)(de)(de)規(gui)(gui)定(ding),一般百(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)紛(fen)紛(fen)效仿,社會(hui)(hui)風(feng)氣為(wei)(wei)(wei)之大(da)(da)(da)變。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)為(wei)(wei)(wei)韓城百(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)(de)生活作(zuo)出了影(ying)響后(hou)世幾百(bai)(bai)年(nian)的(de)(de)(de)方(fang)向性設(she)計,大(da)(da)(da)大(da)(da)(da)減輕(qing)了人(ren)民(min)的(de)(de)(de)負擔,受(shou)到廣(guang)大(da)(da)(da)百(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)特別(bie)是(shi)貧苦農民(min)的(de)(de)(de)歡迎(ying)。三百(bai)(bai)多年(nian)過(guo)去(qu)了,《崇(chong)儉(jian)書(shu)》歷久(jiu)彌新,韓城百(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)至(zhi)今仍然遵(zun)守(shou)著(zhu)左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)立下(xia)的(de)(de)(de)很多規(gui)(gui)矩,早已成為(wei)(wei)(wei)傳統文化(hua)的(de)(de)(de)一部分。
左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)還十(shi)分注重發展文化教(jiao)育事業,弘揚社(she)會正(zheng)氣。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)六年,盡管兵荒馬亂,多(duo)災多(duo)難,但(dan)(dan)左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)仍做(zuo)出(chu)了令人(ren)(ren)稱道(dao)(dao)的(de)(de)(de)成績(ji)。崇禎七年(1634),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)充任陜(shan)(shan)西(xi)鄉試(shi)考官,錄取了11人(ren)(ren),韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)僅(jin)(jin)有(you)1人(ren)(ren)考上。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)受到很大觸(chu)動,內(nei)心深感不(bu)(bu)(bu)安,認(ren)為(wei)自(zi)己負有(you)責任。回到韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)在(zai)(zai)全(quan)縣選(xuan)拔優秀(xiu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)員(yuan),成立“尊(zun)經社(she)”,每月兩次親(qin)(qin)(qin)自(zi)到明倫(lun)堂講解(jie)經書,學生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)常常“執經問(wen)難于(yu)前,竟日(ri)乃已。”左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)(de)努力(li)取得了實效。三(san)年后,陜(shan)(shan)西(xi)鄉試(shi)中(zhong)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)有(you)8人(ren)(ren)中(zhong)舉(ju),全(quan)部(bu)是(shi)(shi)“尊(zun)經社(she)”的(de)(de)(de)學生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)。《韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)縣志(zhi)》載:“韓(han)(han)(han)人(ren)(ren)知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)通經學古自(zi)公始。丙子登(deng)科者(zhe)八人(ren)(ren),皆社(she)中(zhong)士(shi),其(qi)余澤(ze)也(ye)。”“由(you)是(shi)(shi)捷書蟬聯,至(zhi)今為(wei)國(guo)家(jia)楨(zhen)者(zhe),先(xian)(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)開(kai)之(zhi)也(ye)。”韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)崇文重教(jiao)之(zhi)風興起(qi),人(ren)(ren)才(cai)輩(bei)出(chu),有(you)的(de)(de)(de)成為(wei)棟梁之(zhi)才(cai)。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)不(bu)(bu)(bu)僅(jin)(jin)開(kai)重教(jiao)之(zhi)風,還十(shi)分注重宣揚社(she)會正(zheng)氣。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)有(you)“東海(hai)孝子”之(zhi)名(ming)(ming),曾為(wei)父(fu)(fu)親(qin)(qin)(qin)守(shou)孝三(san)年,因父(fu)(fu)親(qin)(qin)(qin)葬在(zai)(zai)蘿石山(shan)上,遂自(zi)號(hao)蘿石,終身不(bu)(bu)(bu)忘(wang)父(fu)(fu)親(qin)(qin)(qin)養育之(zhi)恩。在(zai)(zai)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)不(bu)(bu)(bu)僅(jin)(jin)自(zi)己侍奉母親(qin)(qin)(qin)起(qi)居(ju)盡心盡力(li),無微(wei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)至(zhi),還重刻《孝經》一(yi)(yi)書,號(hao)召百(bai)姓講究孝道(dao)(dao),懂得孝親(qin)(qin)(qin)大義。有(you)一(yi)(yi)縣民(min)因犯(fan)事被押到縣衙,懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)聽說(shuo)他(ta)家(jia)里(li)尚有(you)老母需(xu)要侍候(hou),即(ji)放回。久之(zhi),不(bu)(bu)(bu)免有(you)人(ren)(ren)作(zuo)假。懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)說(shuo):我并非不(bu)(bu)(bu)知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)道(dao)(dao),但(dan)(dan)是(shi)(shi)從長(chang)(chang)遠(yuan)來(lai)看,孝親(qin)(qin)(qin)之(zhi)風興起(qi),所(suo)得必多(duo)啊(a)。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)有(you)程氏(shi)妻(qi)燕(yan)氏(shi),面對(dui)盜(dao)賊的(de)(de)(de)利刃毫(hao)不(bu)(bu)(bu)畏懼(ju),以身護住婆母,“賊感其(qi)孝,舍之(zhi)而去。”懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)得知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),立即(ji)上奏(zou)朝(chao)廷,請求旌表。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)芝(zhi)川為(wei)宋代太師張升故里(li),張升為(wei)官耿直,懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)作(zuo)詩贊(zan)揚他(ta):“吾想君子直,亭亭山(shan)上松。”左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)整修(xiu)(xiu)司(si)馬遷墓,撰寫《祭(ji)司(si)馬子長(chang)(chang)文》,贊(zan)其(qi)豐功偉(wei)績(ji)。又(you)修(xiu)(xiu)繕(shan)蘇(su)武(wu)(wu)墓,撰寫《新漢(han)典屬國(guo)蘇(su)子卿墓垣記》,對(dui)蘇(su)武(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)(de)節操給予了極高評價。修(xiu)(xiu)建白公祠(ci),歌頌(song)白居(ju)易關(guan)心民(min)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)疾苦的(de)(de)(de)情(qing)懷。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)(de)這(zhe)些做(zuo)法,向社(she)會傳(chuan)達(da)了純(chun)正(zheng)良好的(de)(de)(de)風氣。尤其(qi)是(shi)(shi)蘇(su)武(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)(de)精神,對(dui)左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)本(ben)人(ren)(ren)影(ying)響(xiang)很深,為(wei)他(ta)出(chu)使清(qing)廷不(bu)(bu)(bu)屈殉國(guo)埋下(xia)了伏(fu)筆。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)治(zhi)理韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)六年,時(shi)間不(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang)(chang),但(dan)(dan)政(zheng)績(ji)斐(fei)然,展示了出(chu)色(se)的(de)(de)(de)理政(zheng)才(cai)能。他(ta)深知(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)職責所(suo)在(zai)(zai),心系百(bai)姓,體(ti)察民(min)情(qing),換來(lai)了韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)人(ren)(ren)民(min)的(de)(de)(de)普遍擁戴,人(ren)(ren)們把他(ta)與司(si)馬遷、蘇(su)武(wu)(wu)、郭(guo)子儀、白居(ju)易并稱為(wei)“禹門五賢”。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)歷史上先(xian)(xian)后建有(you)十(shi)座杰出(chu)名(ming)(ming)人(ren)(ren)祠(ci),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)占了兩座,一(yi)(yi)處左(zuo)公祠(ci),一(yi)(yi)處蘿石祠(ci);韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)名(ming)(ming)宦祠(ci)里(li)供(gong)奉十(shi)位先(xian)(xian)賢,左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)又(you)是(shi)(shi)其(qi)中(zhong)之(zhi)一(yi)(yi),可見左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)在(zai)(zai)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)人(ren)(ren)心目中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)崇高地位。
3、其他記載
崇禎(zhen)(zhen)三(san)年(1630年),左懋(mao)第(di)(di)鄉(xiang)試中山東第(di)(di)二(er)名舉人,次(ci)年中進(jin)士(shi)。懋(mao)第(di)(di)任陜(shan)西韓城令,崇禎(zhen)(zhen)十二(er)年(1639年)官戶科給事(shi)中,上書提出時局(ju)有四弊(bi):民窮(qiong)、兵弱(ruo)、臣(chen)(chen)工推諉(wei)、國計(ji)虛耗。升太常寺(si)正卿,右僉(qian)都御史。十四年,督催漕(cao)運,道中馳疏言:“臣(chen)(chen)自靜海(hai)抵臨清(qing),見(jian)人民饑死(si)者(zhe)三(san),疫(yi)死(si)者(zhe)三(san),為盜者(zhe)四。米(mi)石銀二(er)十四兩,人死(si)取以(yi)食。惟圣明垂念。”崇禎(zhen)(zhen)十六年(1643年)秋(qiu),出巡長(chang)江(jiang)防務,不久北都淪陷,其母陳(chen)氏絕食而(er)死(si)。
清(qing)兵入關,左懋第被任為(wei)兵部右侍郎兼右僉都御史,以陳洪范、馬紹愉為(wei)副(fu)使(shi),前往北京(jing),通好(hao)議和。
左懋(mao)第(di)開(kai)始(shi)時反(fan)對議(yi)(yi)(yi)和(he)(he),極力主戰,并請求撥(bo)給他人馬,以(yi)收(shou)復失地,恢復大明江(jiang)(jiang)山.但(dan)未(wei)獲批(pi)準(zhun)。繼而他又拒絕出使議(yi)(yi)(yi)和(he)(he),請求安宗皇(huang)帝改派他人出使,也未(wei)被接受。左懋(mao)第(di)深織赴京議(yi)(yi)(yi)和(he)(he),如同與(yu)虎謀皮(pi),希望(wang)(wang)渺茫,但(dan)君命難違,只能(neng)(neng)(neng)照辦。臨(lin)行前,他力勸(quan)安宗皇(huang)帝“時時以(yi)先帝之(zhi)仇、北(bei)都之(zhi)恥(chi)為(wei)念”, “勿以(yi)北(bei)行為(wei)和(he)(he)議(yi)(yi)(yi)必成(cheng),勿以(yi)和(he)(he)成(cheng)為(wei)足(zu)恃”。提醒南明王朝(chao)不要期望(wang)(wang)和(he)(he)議(yi)(yi)(yi)一(yi)定(ding)能(neng)(neng)(neng)成(cheng)功(gong),即(ji)使議(yi)(yi)(yi)和(he)(he)成(cheng)功(gong),也不一(yi)定(ding)是(shi)可(ke)以(yi)信賴的,主張(zhang)以(yi)武力保平安。“夫(fu)能(neng)(neng)(neng)渡河(he)而戰,始(shi)能(neng)(neng)(neng)扼河(he)而守,必能(neng)(neng)(neng)扼河(he)面守,始(shi)能(neng)(neng)(neng)畫江(jiang)(jiang)而安.’強調以(yi)天下為(wei)重,以(yi)恥(chi)仇為(wei)念,以(yi)淪陷之(zhi)民為(wei)憂(you),要整軍傷兵(bing),以(yi)田恢復大業。
左(zuo)懋第對北行議和(he)的危險(xian)也深有預料。他在一封信中說,
“懋(mao)第此行,是懋(mao)第死(si)日也。”立志(zhi)要“效宋之(zhi)文天樣”,“留正氣(qi)于千古。”
崇禎十(shi)(shi)七年十(shi)(shi)月初,揩(kai)二副使及隨(sui)從百(bai)(bai)余人(ren)至北京張家(jia)灣,住進鴻(hong)臚(lu)寺。懋第在(zai)(zai)鴻(hong)臚(lu)寺陳設太牢,率隨(sui)員北面哭祭三日(ri)(ri)。十(shi)(shi)月二十(shi)(shi)七日(ri)(ri)多爾袞釋放(fang)左懋第南歸。左等走出永定門(men),馮詮勸多爾袞不要“放(fang)虎歸山(shan)”,十(shi)(shi)一月十(shi)(shi)四日(ri)(ri)多爾袞遣百(bai)(bai)騎在(zai)(zai)滄州(zhou)追回,被扣留在(zai)(zai)北京太醫院(yuan),墻上遍布荊棘,自言:“生為(wei)(wei)明臣(chen),死為(wei)(wei)明鬼,我志也。”為(wei)(wei)了(le)擊退清王(wang)朝(chao)的利誘(you)勸降(jiang),他寫了(le)“生為(wei)(wei)大(da)明忠(zhong)臣(chen),死為(wei)(wei)大(da)明忠(zhong)鬼”的對聯貼在(zai)(zai)門(men)上。一則明志,一則堵勸降(jiang)說客之(zhi)口。他還畫了(le)一幅蘇武(wu)牧羊畫像,掛(gua)在(zai)(zai)墻上以自勵。
弘光(guang)元(yuan)年(nian)閏(run)六月(yue)(yue)十五日頒布剃發令,隨員艾大選遵旨薙發,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第將(jiang)其(qi)(qi)(qi)亂棍打死,清(qing)廷前來責(ze)問,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第曰:“吾自(zi)行(xing)我法,殺(sha)我人,與若(ruo)何(he)預(yu)?”清(qing)廷設“太平(ping)宴”宴請,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第拒(ju)食。又遣(qian)洪承疇前來說(shuo)(shuo)降(jiang),左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第說(shuo)(shuo):“此鬼也。洪督師(shi)在松(song)山(shan)死節,先(xian)帝賜祭九(jiu)壇,今日安得更生?”洪承疇慚愧而(er)退。李建泰(tai)又來勸(quan)降(jiang),左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第怒斥說(shuo)(shuo):“老奴(nu)尚在?先(xian)帝寵餞,勒(le)兵剿賊,既不(bu)(bu)殉國,又失身焉(yan),何(he)面目見我?”左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第又責(ze)問勸(quan)降(jiang)的堂兄弟左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)泰(tai):“此非吾弟也?”隨之(zhi)將(jiang)其(qi)(qi)(qi)叱離。多爾袞(gun)大怒,親自(zi)提審懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第直立不(bu)(bu)跪(gui)。當(dang)問道:“你為何(he)不(bu)(bu)肯剃頭?”左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第回(hui)答:“頭可斷,發不(bu)(bu)可斷!”金之(zhi)俊勸(quan)他(ta):“先(xian)生何(he)不(bu)(bu)知興(xing)廢!”左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第針鋒相對答道:“汝何(he)不(bu)(bu)知羞恥!”多爾袞(gun)知其(qi)(qi)(qi)不(bu)(bu)可降(jiang),閏(run)六月(yue)(yue)十九(jiu)日,命左右推出宣(xuan)武門外菜(cai)市口處(chu)死。
臨刑時,左懋第南向(xiang)再拜(bai)說(shuo):“臣等事大明之心盡矣。”有絕命詩:“峽坼巢封歸路(lu)迥,片云南下意(yi)如何;丹忱碧血消(xiao)難盡,蕩作寒煙總不磨。”隨(sui)員陳用(yong)極、王一斌、張良(liang)佐(zuo)、王廷佐(zuo)、劉(liu)統等人皆(jie)不屈而(er)死。
左(zuo)懋第著有(you)《梅花屋詩(shi)抄》一卷(juan),《蘿石山(shan)房文抄》四卷(juan),《左(zuo)忠貞公(gong)剩稿(gao)》四卷(juan)。
《姜烈士正芳(fang)傳》作者:左 懋 第
姜正芳(fang),邑(yi)(yi)人(ren)(ren),居邑(yi)(yi)西北(bei)五(wu)里許〔指(zhi)(zhi)今(jin)(jin)柏林(lin)(lin)莊(zhuang)鎮(zhen)小埠頂村〕。少有(you)力,能弓矢及劍。值海上備倭,應登州壯士(shi)募,欲殺(sha)賊(zei)立(li)功名。后事(shi)已(yi),罷歸農。軀長健勇而(er)樸誠,好解斗。有(you)兄弟十(shi)年訟(song)者,合(he)之無異詞。又(you)知(zhi)書,時說古今(jin)(jin)成(cheng)(cheng)敗(bai)事(shi),髯眉(mei)為(wei)(wei)動(dong)。崇(chong)禎二年己巳(si),年已(yi)六十(shi)。際(ji)〔遇〕董大成(cheng)(cheng)〔今(jin)(jin)屬柏林(lin)(lin)莊(zhuang)鎮(zhen)劉家(jia)(jia)疃村人(ren)(ren)〕亂。大成(cheng)(cheng)亦邑(yi)(yi)人(ren)(ren),恃(shi)勇好亂敗(bai)產,多結惡少。會妖賊(zei)李〔指(zhi)(zhi)傳白蓮(lian)教(jiao)的李盛明〕,不(bu)(bu)知(zhi)何地人(ren)(ren),能術煽齊民,成(cheng)(cheng)陰受約為(wei)(wei)從〔大成(cheng)(cheng)暗地里接受他(ta)的密約,跟從他(ta)造反〕。有(you)招遠(yuan)許湯,殺(sha)催稅隸叛據腰山〔今(jin)(jin)稱窯(yao)山,在譚格莊(zhuang)鎮(zhen)北(bei)〕。成(cheng)(cheng)與(yu)湯夙盟,疑不(bu)(bu)定(ding),遂出城散徒(tu)掠(lve)人(ren)(ren)為(wei)(wei)盜,三(san)日,得三(san)千(qian)人(ren)(ren)。聚邑(yi)(yi)西劉家(jia)(jia)莊(zhuang),待與(yu)俱東去。芳(fang)居西南一里,成(cheng)(cheng)率騎至其(qi)(qi)家(jia)(jia)。芳(fang)不(bu)(bu)避,為(wei)(wei)開陳大難, 不(bu)(bu)易(yi)發(fa),當早(zao)(zao)寢〔早(zao)(zao)早(zao)(zao)停息(xi)〕。不(bu)(bu)應,反迫(po)與(yu)俱。芳(fang)度〔考慮〕其(qi)(qi)黨已(yi)發(fa),不(bu)(bu)可(ke)說,又(you)徒(tu)死無益,佯應之。且紿〔音迨,同詒,欺(qi)騙〕之曰:汝事(shi)舉(ju)三(san)余日矣,官軍得無知(zhi)者?三(san)千(qian)人(ren)(ren)而(er)抱(bao)頭聚,若軍至,何以應?成(cheng)(cheng)曰:奈何?芳(fang)教(jiao)以分(fen)為(wei)(wei)五(wu),皆里許隔,變可(ke)相聞(wen)。賊(zei)從之。日暮,果分(fen)為(wei)(wei)五(wu),北(bei)者近(jin)芳(fang)居,賊(zei)腹心則居中(zhong)。
十一月廿(nian)三夜(ye),晦〔天黑〕不(bu)(bu)見人(ren)(ren)。芳(fang)喜,潛(qian)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)其(qi)東南(nan)西(xi),皆語(yu)(yu)(yu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):官兵至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)矣(yi),吾(wu)(wu)儕chai〔我等(deng)〕皆良人(ren)(ren),今無死所。如聞戰斗聲(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),宜(yi)各為(wei)計。掠人(ren)(ren)〔被掠之(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)(ren)〕皆惶迫,不(bu)(bu)知(zhi)所為(wei)。芳(fang)因至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)中(zhong)語(yu)(yu)(yu)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):官軍(jun)已(yi)至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)〔大(da)(da)(da)成〕村后矣(yi),宜(yi)力敵勿怠。大(da)(da)(da)成及諸腹心俱鹵(lu)騃(ai)〔癡(chi)愚,鹵(lu),通魯(lu)。騃(ai),音(yin)似(si)〕,不(bu)(bu)知(zhi)兵。皆懼而強諾(nuo)焉。芳(fang)又說其(qi)北(bei)近居者(zhe)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):官軍(jun)自南(nan)來,汝等(deng)宜(yi)大(da)(da)(da)呼(hu)示人(ren)(ren)眾,至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)便梃(ting)擊(ji)無失。亦(yi)應曰(yue)(yue)(yue):諾(nuo)。因大(da)(da)(da)呼(hu),居中(zhong)者(zhe)聞呼(hu)亦(yi)大(da)(da)(da)呼(hu)。引人(ren)(ren)北(bei)向(xiang),梃(ting)相接溷〔混亂〕擊(ji)焉。其(qi)東南(nan)西(xi)聞呼(hu)及戰斗聲(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),大(da)(da)(da)恐,亦(yi)大(da)(da)(da)呼(hu),盡逃去戰。賊聞呼(hu)亦(yi)亂。逮(dai)〔等(deng)到(dao)〕辨聲(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)諗為(wei)芳(fang)計,而成已(yi)偕從董平馳(chi)騎(qi)遁(dun)東埠。尋而告語(yu)(yu)(yu)之(zhi)(zhi),怒回(hui)呼(hu)芳(fang)。芳(fang)應之(zhi)(zhi)途曰(yue)(yue)(yue):我為(wei)汝練兵耳。成曰(yue)(yue)(yue):汝亂吾(wu)(wu)兵,何練為(wei)?芳(fang)曰(yue)(yue)(yue):汝新集兵不(bu)(bu)可戰, 試恐以官軍(jun)走矣(yi),況親至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)者(zhe)乎?欲圖事
須入(ru)與(yu)我(wo)謀(mou)(mou)。因延至其家。成與(yu)眾(zhong)賊因人(ren)多逃,皆(jie)搖亂無定見,遂(sui)信(xin)之。芳欲堅其入(ru)〔堅定其進入(ru)之決(jue)心〕,曰(yue)(yue):兵未(wei)散者,尚五六百人(ren),可(ke)駐(zhu)我(wo)門前,但腹(fu)(fu)心入(ru)與(yu)謀(mou)(mou)。成遂(sui)及其腹(fu)(fu)心六七人(ren)入(ru)。芳為設坐,具燈火(huo)笑曰(yue)(yue):俱饑(ji)矣(yi),我(wo)具食。
芳(fang)三子(zi)(zi),長(chang)別居;次渭(wei)經(jing),抱(bao)布貿;渭(wei)明,嫁花草竹木以(yi)生。時(shi)長(chang)子(zi)(zi)之(zhi)子(zi)(zi)春在(zai)焉。芳(fang)出屬(shu)〔通囑(zhu)〕經(jing)視前門,明視后(hou)門。矯〔假(jia)傳(chuan)〕賊(zei)令,勿使一(yi)人入。屬(shu)其(qi)孫(sun)從之(zhi)〔囑(zhu)咐他的(de)孫(sun)子(zi)(zi)跟從他〕。孫(sun)問所以(yi),芳(fang)曰:賊(zei)入我(wo)彀中矣。待就(jiu)食,我(wo)從旁斫董賊(zei)死(si)。我(wo)雖(sui)老尚(shang)健,可抵三四人。魁死(si)〔頭目死(si)〕,余鳥(niao)獸散(san),不足畏即不幸為(wei)賊(zei)殺,舉家(jia)以(yi)良(liang)百姓(xing)。殺賊(zei)死(si),不愈于作賊(zei)死(si)乎?汝勿語諸婦(fu)人,但促具食。芳(fang)因(yin)入, 酌酒董賊(zei)前又遍酌諸腹(fu)心,以(yi)麥湯飲之(zhi)。成(cheng)(cheng)等皆就(jiu)食,惟一(yi)賊(zei)魯(lu)東(dong)明者不食,持鐵叉立成(cheng)(cheng)傍目芳(fang)。芳(fang)疑(yi)之(zhi),因(yin)自思曰:過此瞬恐(kong)無及(ji),吾當(dang)并斫之(zhi)。因(yin)取(qu)其(qi)衣下藏刀(dao)(dao)斫大成(cheng)(cheng),未及(ji)。東(dong)明格(ge)之(zhi),錚有聲。大成(cheng)(cheng)驚拔佩刀(dao)(dao)起應之(zhi)。
諸賊(zei)舍食起(qi)拔刀(dao)。芳知不(bu)濟,持刀(dao)趨出(chu)門,呼:馬安在?得賊(zei)馬聳乘之(zhi)。大呼曰:人或逆我(wo)〔誰(shui)如阻(zu)止我(wo)〕,死矣(yi)。于是群(qun)賊(zei)隨(sui)出(chu)大呼曰:圍之(zhi)勿令走(zou)。門前(qian)諸賊(zei)圍之(zhi)數(shu)匝。芳力斫,殺三四人。馳數(shu)十步,群(qun)矛環刺焉,遂墜馬被(bei)縛。賊(zei)乃入(ru)收其家當。堂中亂,婦(fu)女多走(zou)。時賊(zei)約不(bu)掠,婦(fu)女多混鄰居以免(mian)。其長孫亦走(zou)免(mian)。惟渭(wei)經、渭(wei)明被(bei)執,孫三人亂殺死。盡焚其廬舍。
大(da)成以(yi)兵(bing)(bing)環〔包圍〕芳(fang)并(bing)其子(zi),罵曰(yue):汝何為計(ji)殺(sha)我?芳(fang)曰(yue):殺(sha)汝不(bu)中,命也。但(dan)早(zao)死(si)耳。賊(zei)怒,罵曰(yue):何易(yi)求死(si),命取水灌三(san)人(ren),寒凍之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。群刺以(yi)矛,體無完膚,遂刳(ku)心剖(pou)腸。終無餒(nei)詞(ci)〔始終沒有(you)屈服〕。芳(fang)既(ji)死(si),賊(zei)眾漸集,又(you)遣人(ren)分掠得(de)千(qian)人(ren)。廿四日,遂攻(gong)邑城(cheng)。廿五日又(you)攻(gong),皆不(bu)克。后遂益(yi)賊(zei)至五千(qian)人(ren),圍城(cheng)焚外關(guan)。十(shi)二月,登兵(bing)(bing)〔登州(zhou)府(fu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)兵(bing)(bing)〕至,與戰,賊(zei)敗走。追殺(sha)平之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。大(da)成同(tong)左(zuo)龍西(xi)皆走出。至蒙陰縣(xian),典(dian)史王擒殺(sha)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),梟(xiao)其首,傳(chuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)邑懸(xuan)示(shi)〔懸(xuan)首示(shi)眾〕焉。典(dian)史,山海關(guan)人(ren)。
左子曰(yue):董賊(zei)(zei)(zei)之(zhi)變,余時為(wei)諸生。聞有(you)賊(zei)(zei)(zei),士民皆(jie)(jie)乘(cheng)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。賊(zei)(zei)(zei)方(fang)駐(zhu)西(xi)埠外,久不(bu)來攻城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。至夜聞眾(zhong)呼聲,城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)者(zhe)曰(yue):賊(zei)(zei)(zei)其(qi)有(you)恐與,不(bu)知芳(fang)之(zhi)為(wei)也(ye)。芳(fang)以(yi)野(ye)老(lao),未沾大(da)官斗米,而散(san)賊(zei)(zei)(zei)殺(sha)賊(zei)(zei)(zei),以(yi)必死謀賊(zei)(zei)(zei),何烈(lie)也(ye)。韓愈論張許:守一(yi)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)捍天下,以(yi)千(qian)百(bai)就盡之(zhi)卒(zu),戰百(bai)萬方(fang)滋之(zhi)寇,蔽遮江淮,阻遏其(qi)勢(shi)。天下不(bu)亡,其(qi)誰(shui)之(zhi)功(gong)?余謂萊(lai)陽門未及,土(tu)賊(zei)(zei)(zei)乘(cheng)新集之(zhi)勢(shi),卒(zu)薄城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)下,事(shi)(shi)未可知。夜散(san)之(zhi),殺(sha)其(qi)勢(shi)而緩其(qi)攻,以(yi)益〔增加〕城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)中一(yi)日(ri)之(zhi)備,遂得獲奸(jian)內靖,眾(zhong)志鼓厲。萊(lai)陽不(bu)亡,不(bu)可謂非芳(fang)之(zhi)功(gong)。事(shi)(shi)雖小(xiao),大(da)懸殊:愈〔韓愈〕之(zhi)言(yan)益信夫。余嘗拜(bai)其(qi)墓,見三(san)墳為(wei)之(zhi)流涕。因過其(qi)門:廬舍(she)皆(jie)(jie)燼。孫(sun)十四人(ren),賊(zei)(zei)(zei)殺(sha)其(qi)三(san),余者(zhe)皆(jie)(jie)垢敝。妻王年(nian)六十余,依墻結茅以(yi)居(ju)。乘(cheng)軒(xuan)者(zhe)〔即(ji)當官的。軒(xuan),古代高官乘(cheng)坐的一(yi)種有(you)圍(wei)棚或(huo)帷幕(mu)的車〕未嘗一(yi)問,匹夫之(zhi)節(jie),不(bu)亦悲乎?
左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第為(wei)人正(zheng)直,敢(gan)于直言進諫。崇(chong)禎年間,大明矛(mao)盾重重、危機(ji)四伏,陷(xian)入內(nei)外(wai)交困之中,內(nei)有李自成(cheng)農民(min)軍縱橫半天下,外(wai)有清兵(bing)屢次入侵,邊防破(po)敗,天災頻仍,三餉加(jia)派,竭盡民(min)脂(zhi),吏治腐朽,民(min)不(bu)聊生(sheng)。統治集(ji)團內(nei)部爭權奪利。身為(wei)朝廷(ting)言官(guan)的左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第憂心如焚,他屢次上疏,針砭時(shi)弊,提出(chu)救國救民(min)之策,為(wei)朝野所(suo)矚目。
左懋(mao)第從民族(zu)(zu)(zu)利益出(chu)發,多次(ci)向(xiang)當(dang)政者提出(chu)治國的(de)(de)正確主張。左懋(mao)第被擢升為戶科給事(shi)中后,尖銳指斥民窮、兵弱、臣(chen)工推諉、國計虛耗這四種時弊,提醒明王(wang)朝(chao)加以解(jie)決(jue)。為減輕勞動人民的(de)(de)負擔,緩和(he)階級矛盾,以有利于(yu)(yu)鞏(gong)固(gu)封(feng)建統治,較好地進行與崛起(qi)于(yu)(yu)關外的(de)(de)滿(man)族(zu)(zu)(zu)的(de)(de)民族(zu)(zu)(zu)斗爭,他屢次(ci)上書奏請納監、出(chu)錢贖罪(zui)、廣開財源,行平倉法、監法及減輕賦稅,輸粟邊塞(sai)、以充軍糧。
后來,左(zuo)懋第(di)又改任刑科給事中(zhong),仍不斷提(ti)出(chu)減輕人民負擔的奏(zou)請(qing)。
初入諫(jian)垣,左(zuo)(zuo)懋第便(bian)上疏要求停止(zhi)三餉(xiang)加派,在(zai)他(ta)(ta)和其(qi)他(ta)(ta)大(da)臣的苦諫(jian)下(xia)(xia),崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)十(shi)(shi)三年(nian)(1640年(nian)),崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)帝(di)(di)(di)宣布(bu)停征(zheng)剿餉(xiang)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋第請馬上公告天下(xia)(xia),免(mian)得(de)地(di)方開(kai)征(zheng),小(xiao)民(min)(min)不得(de)實(shi)惠,崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)帝(di)(di)(di)采納了他(ta)(ta)的建(jian)議(yi)。當年(nian)三月,北京(jing)大(da)風不止(zhi),左(zuo)(zuo)懋第又(you)借(jie)天變上言,直(zhi)陳時政缺失。他(ta)(ta)指出:朝廷雖然(ran)數次下(xia)(xia)詔減兵省餉(xiang),但小(xiao)民(min)(min)卻日困一日。原因(yin)在(zai)于朝廷免(mian)征(zheng),而地(di)方催(cui)征(zheng),貪官(guan)(guan)污吏借(jie)機中飽私囊。欲除此弊,必須公開(kai)各(ge)地(di)征(zheng)賦之數,讓小(xiao)民(min)(min)明白,使(shi)貪官(guan)(guan)無法(fa)作(zuo)奸(jian)。停征(zheng)的加賦,必須嚴令(ling)各(ge)地(di)實(shi)行,不許各(ge)級(ji)層層追加,這(zhe)樣才能使(shi)皇帝(di)(di)(di)的恩惠潤澤萬民(min)(min)。崇(chong)(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)帝(di)(di)(di)很贊賞他(ta)(ta)的建(jian)議(yi),下(xia)(xia)令(ling)免(mian)掉上災(zai)七十(shi)(shi)五州(zhou)縣(xian)新、舊、練三餉(xiang),中災(zai)六十(shi)(shi)八(ba)州(zhou)縣(xian)新、舊二餉(xiang),下(xia)(xia)災(zai)三十(shi)(shi)八(ba)州(zhou)縣(xian)三餉(xiang)緩征(zheng)。
崇禎十四年(1641年),左懋第(di)奉命督(du)辦(ban)漕運(yun),即督(du)辦(ban)自江(jiang)南(nan)(nan)沿(yan)運(yun)河向(xiang)京城運(yun)送糧(liang)食。當時(shi)江(jiang)南(nan)(nan)發生饑荒,遍地餓殍,饑民(min)的(de)反抗(kang)時(shi)有發生。從(cong)統(tong)治階級的(de)整體利益出發,左懋第(di)多(duo)次向(xiang)崇楨皇帝(di)上書,請求放糧(liang)贍災。并發出了“贍救安可不變”的(de)呼吁,為民(min)請命。當時(shi)明王(wang)朝兵連禍結。國(guo)庫(ku)空(kong)虛,民(min)族矛(mao)盾和階級矛(mao)盾空(kong)前激(ji)烈,內外交困,處于風雨飄(piao)搖之中,左懋第(di)的(de)意見(jian)未被(bei)采(cai)納(na)。
崇禎(zhen)十(shi)六年(nian)(1643年(nian))秋(qiu),左(zuo)懋第出(chu)巡長江防務。尚未返(fan)京。
明(ming)朝末(mo)年(nian),國(guo)家(jia)內憂外患(huan),危(wei)機四(si)伏,大(da)廈(sha)將(jiang)傾(qing),萊陽進士(shi)左懋第卻登上了人生最壯美的(de)舞臺。他(ta)治理韓城(cheng),政(zheng)績優異,考選欽定第一,由(you)知縣(xian)擢(zhuo)升(sheng)朝中擔任要(yao)職,成(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)崇禎皇帝信任的(de)股肱之(zhi)臣。崇禎甲申清兵入關,國(guo)難當頭,他(ta)挺身而(er)出,與攝政(zheng)王多(duo)爾袞唇槍舌(she)劍,堅決維(wei)護(hu)大(da)明(ming)尊嚴。面對(dui)酷刑和威(wei)逼利(li)誘,他(ta)寧作大(da)明(ming)鬼,不當清朝王,成(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)比(bi)肩(jian)文天祥的(de)民族英雄。
清乾隆四十(shi)一年(1776年)欽(qin)定(ding)殉節錄(lu),賜專謚“忠(zhong)貞”,祀本邑鄉賢、韓(han)城(cheng)名宦祠,萊陽又建(jian)左(zuo)公祠,春秋次丁致祭。韓(han)城(cheng)人(ren)建(jian)祠與漢代的蘇武(wu)并祀。
左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第墓(mu)(mu)位于山東(dong)省煙臺市(shi)萊(lai)陽市(shi)沐浴(yu)店鎮北(bei)旺村東(dong)北(bei)左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)家(jia)瑩,距村約700米,該墓(mu)(mu)原葬地在(zai)柏(bo)林(lin)莊鎮東(dong)南方(fang)向羅石(shi)頂上(shang)。1952年部(bu)隊營房(fang)建設時其(qi)后裔將(jiang)此墓(mu)(mu)遷至(zhi)該處左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)姓居住的北(bei)旺村左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)家(jia)瑩內。墓(mu)(mu)區有(you)墓(mu)(mu)冢3座成品字形排列,懋(mao)第墓(mu)(mu)立龍頭(tou)碑(bei)陰刻“恩寵”二字,乾隆41年追謚“忠(zhong)貞(zhen)”,贈(zeng)禮部(bu)尚(shang)書(shu),墓(mu)(mu)志是清(qing)嘉慶十二年(1808年)敕(chi)授文(wen)林(lin)郎萊(lai)陽知縣延君壽敬題的,由(you)左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)氏五世孫寅文(wen)立石(shi)。
左(zuo)(zuo)公(gong)祠(ci)建于(yu)康熙四十年(1701年),山東學政(zheng)僉事徐炯主持,在萊陽(yang)修建左(zuo)(zuo)公(gong)祠(ci),萊陽(yang)人(ren)踴躍(yue)捐款,贊襄其事。乾隆(long)十五年(1750年),萊陽(yang)知縣(xian)(xian)郝大(da)倫(lun)重(zhong)修左(zuo)(zuo)公(gong)祠(ci)。位(wei)于(yu)今(jin)天萊陽(yang)工(gong)人(ren)文化宮西側,七星街東側。祠(ci)堂整個院落占地約10畝。大(da)門(men)朝西,有三(san)間正(zheng)殿,客房三(san)間,雜房三(san)間,裙(qun)房10余間。左(zuo)(zuo)公(gong)祠(ci)在他(ta)做知縣(xian)(xian)的山西韓(han)城(cheng)有一座,與萊陽(yang)祠(ci)相似。