人物生平
燕亡入秦
慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)年(nian)(nian)紀還沒到二十歲(sui)，身高就已(yi)經八尺二寸，身姿體(ti)貌很(hen)魁(kui)偉，額(e)頭上有(you)中央(yang)隆起的(de)半(ban)月形重紋。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)博覽群書，性(xing)情清(qing)高謹(jin)慎，多(duo)才(cai)多(duo)藝。前燕(yan)景昭帝(di)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁繼位時(shi)，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)被封(feng)為(wei)(wei)梁公(gong)，歷任(ren)幽(you)州刺史(shi)、左衛將軍。到了前燕(yan)幽(you)帝(di)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)繼位時(shi)，改(gai)封(feng)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)為(wei)(wei)范陽王(wang)，漸漸升遷(qian)為(wei)(wei)魏尹，加(jia)授散騎常侍。不久，前秦苻(fu)(fu)堅的(de)將領(ling)苻(fu)(fu)雙占(zhan)據(ju)陜(shan)地(di)反叛，苻(fu)(fu)堅的(de)將領(ling)苻(fu)(fu)柳在枹罕(han)起兵準備(bei)接(jie)應。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)勸慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)乘機討伐(fa)苻(fu)(fu)堅，言辭慷慨，有(you)識之(zhi)士說他(ta)有(you)遠大的(de)謀略(lve)。但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)始終沒能采用。墓容(rong)德(de)(de)的(de)哥哥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂很(hen)賞識他(ta)，于是和(he)他(ta)共同商議軍國大事(shi)，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)的(de)意見(jian)極為(wei)(wei)切當。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂說慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)度量見(jian)識大有(you)長進(jin)，并把他(ta)比作東吳的(de)呂蒙。太(tai)和(he)四年(nian)(nian)（369年(nian)(nian)），在枋頭之(zhi)戰中，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)以征(zheng)南將軍身份和(he)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂一起打敗(bai)了東晉的(de)軍隊。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂投奔苻(fu)(fu)堅時(shi)，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)因受牽連被免職。太(tai)和(he)五年(nian)(nian)（370年(nian)(nian)），前燕(yan)被苻(fu)(fu)堅所滅，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)等被遷(qian)到長安，苻(fu)(fu)堅任(ren)命他(ta)為(wei)(wei)張掖太(tai)守，數年(nian)(nian)以后(hou)免職回家。
苻堅率領軍隊到(dao)(dao)達臨江時(shi)，授任慕(mu)容(rong)德為(wei)奮威將軍。苻堅失(shi)敗(bai)時(shi)，苻堅和張夫人走散，慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)準(zhun)備(bei)護(hu)衛(wei)(wei)送(song)回她，慕(mu)容(rong)德對慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)嚴肅地(di)說：“從前(qian)楚莊王(wang)滅掉陳國，采(cai)納巫(wu)臣的(de)(de)(de)諫(jian)言拋(pao)棄夏姬。這(zhe)種不(bu)祥(xiang)之人，蠱(gu)惑人主，戰爭的(de)(de)(de)時(shi)候不(bu)接近女(nv)人，前(qian)秦軍隊的(de)(de)(de)失(shi)敗(bai)就是因為(wei)這(zhe)個(ge)緣故。最(zui)好是視而(er)不(bu)見走過去，為(wei)什么(me)還準(zhun)備(bei)護(hu)衛(wei)(wei)她！”慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)不(bu)聽，慕(mu)容(rong)德騎馬離開(kai)了(le)慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)。回來以后(hou)屯(tun)駐在(zai)滎陽，慕(mu)容(rong)德對慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)說：“從前(qian)越王(wang)勾踐(jian)寄(ji)居(ju)在(zai)會稽，最(zui)終得到(dao)(dao)了(le)吳國。圣人相時(shi)而(er)動，所(suo)有(you)的(de)(de)(de)舉(ju)動都考(kao)慮(lv)周到(dao)(dao)，百無一失(shi)。老天追悔(hui)它(ta)所(suo)造成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)禍亂，所(suo)以讓(rang)秦軍失(shi)敗(bai)，理應乘著(zhu)他(ta)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)失(shi)敗(bai)復興(xing)江山社稷。”慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)不(bu)采(cai)納他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)話。慕(mu)容(rong)德便跟隨(sui)慕(mu)容(rong)垂(chui)到(dao)(dao)了(le)鄴城。
輔佐后燕
太元九年（384年），慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)(chui)叛(pan)秦復國，建(jian)立(li)后(hou)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)，任命慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)為車(che)騎大(da)將軍，復封為范陽(yang)王(wang)，居中鎮守(shou)護(hu)衛，參預(yu)決斷政事(shi)。很(hen)久以后(hou)，升任司(si)徒。當時慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)永占據長子(zi)，擁有十萬軍隊，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)(chui)和(he)大(da)臣們(men)商議討伐(fa)他(ta)(ta)。大(da)臣們(men)都(dou)猶豫不(bu)定，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)上(shang)前說(shuo)：“當年三代祖(zu)先積德(de)，遺言還回響在耳邊(bian)，所以陛(bi)下興起，不(bu)謀而合，雖然是(shi)(shi)(shi)因(yin)為陛(bi)下圣明(ming)英武，也因(yin)為大(da)臣們(men)對(dui)王(wang)室原(yuan)有的(de)愛戴，燕(yan)(yan)(yan)、趙之人(ren)樂于(yu)做燕(yan)(yan)(yan)臣民的(de)緣故。現在慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)永已經建(jian)立(li)偽號，煽動漢人(ren)和(he)胡人(ren)作(zuo)亂，致使(shi)豎子(zi)恣肆(si)縱橫，爭奪不(bu)休，應該先鏟除他(ta)(ta)，以統(tong)一大(da)家的(de)視聽。從前光武帝急(ji)速援(yuan)救蘇茂之難(nan)，不(bu)考慮百官疲乏，這難(nan)道是(shi)(shi)(shi)不(bu)仁嗎？是(shi)(shi)(shi)因(yin)為事(shi)情危急(ji)的(de)緣故。兵法(fa)中有不(bu)得(de)已而用之，陛(bi)下能這樣做嗎！”慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)(chui)笑著對(dui)群(qun)臣們(men)說(shuo)：“司(si)徒的(de)看(kan)法(fa)和(he)我一樣。二人(ren)同心，利能斷金，我的(de)主意已定。”于(yu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)聽從了慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)的(de)話。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)(chui)臨終前，告諭兒子(zi)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)把鄴城交給慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)繼(ji)位后(hou)，任命慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)為使(shi)持節、都(dou)督(du)冀(ji)、兗、青、徐、荊、豫六州諸(zhu)軍事(shi)、特進、車(che)騎大(da)將軍、冀(ji)州牧，兼領南(nan)蠻校尉，鎮守(shou)鄴城，取(qu)消留臺，以都(dou)督(du)專(zhuan)門(men)統(tong)管南(nan)夏。
北(bei)魏將(jiang)領(ling)(ling)拓(tuo)(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)章攻(gong)(gong)打鄴城，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)派南安王慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)青等夜里(li)(li)襲擊并(bing)擊敗(bai)(bai)拓(tuo)(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)章。北(bei)魏軍(jun)隊退駐新城，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)青等請(qing)求去(qu)攻(gong)(gong)打。別(bie)(bie)駕(jia)韓讠(yan)卓進言說：“古人首先在(zai)(zai)朝廷里(li)(li)謀劃勝(sheng)敗(bai)(bai)，然(ran)后(hou)(hou)(hou)才(cai)作戰。現在(zai)(zai)不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)攻(gong)(gong)打北(bei)魏的(de)(de)(de)(de)原因有四條，后(hou)(hou)(hou)燕(yan)軍(jun)隊不(bu)(bu)(bu)宜妄動(dong)(dong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)理(li)(li)(li)由(you)有三條。北(bei)魏孤(gu)軍(jun)深(shen)入，野戰最為(wei)有利，這是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)攻(gong)(gong)打的(de)(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)一(yi)個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)(li)由(you)。魏軍(jun)深(shen)入我(wo)(wo)們(men)京都(dou)附近，把軍(jun)隊停留在(zai)(zai)死地(di)上，這是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)攻(gong)(gong)打的(de)(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)二個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)(li)由(you)。他(ta)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)前(qian)鋒打了(le)敗(bai)(bai)仗之(zhi)后(hou)(hou)(hou)，后(hou)(hou)(hou)陣剛剛穩固(gu)，這是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)攻(gong)(gong)打的(de)(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)三個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)(li)由(you)。他(ta)們(men)人多，我(wo)(wo)們(men)人少，這是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)攻(gong)(gong)打的(de)(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)四個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)(li)由(you)。我(wo)(wo)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)隊在(zai)(zai)自己的(de)(de)(de)(de)領(ling)(ling)土(tu)上作戰．這是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)宜妄動(dong)(dong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)一(yi)個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)(li)由(you)。去(qu)攻(gong)(gong)打如(ru)果不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)取勝(sheng)，軍(jun)心(xin)就難以(yi)安定，這是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)宜妄動(dong)(dong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)二個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)(li)由(you)。城郭還(huan)沒有修(xiu)筑完善，敵人來(lai)了(le)無法防備，這是(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)宜妄動(dong)(dong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)三個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)(li)由(you)。這些都(dou)是(shi)兵家的(de)(de)(de)(de)大忌，不(bu)(bu)(bu)如(ru)把溝壑再加深(shen)，把壘壁再加高，以(yi)逸(yi)待勞。他(ta)們(men)從千(qian)里(li)(li)之(zhi)外運送糧食(shi)，曠野上沒有能(neng)(neng)搶(qiang)掠的(de)(de)(de)(de)東(dong)西，時(shi)間一(yi)長(chang)，三軍(jun)就會(hui)耗盡資(zi)財(cai)，攻(gong)(gong)打起(qi)來(lai)就會(hui)死掉(diao)很多兵馬，士氣(qi)一(yi)衰(shuai)落(luo)，軍(jun)心(xin)就會(hui)離散，那時(shi)我(wo)(wo)們(men)再周密(mi)地(di)謀劃攻(gong)(gong)打他(ta)們(men)，就可(ke)(ke)以(yi)取勝(sheng)了(le)。”慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)說：“韓別(bie)(bie)駕(jia)的(de)(de)(de)(de)話，是(shi)張良、陳平的(de)(de)(de)(de)計策。”于是(shi)命(ming)令慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)青撤回軍(jun)隊。北(bei)魏又(you)派遼(liao)西公(gong)賀賴盧率(lv)領(ling)(ling)騎兵和拓(tuo)(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)章一(yi)起(qi)圍攻(gong)(gong)鄴城，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)派參(can)軍(jun)劉藻向后(hou)(hou)(hou)秦姚(yao)興請(qing)求救援，并(bing)且(qie)致(zhi)以(yi)同母之(zhi)兄的(de)(de)(de)(de)問候，但是(shi)姚(yao)興的(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)隊不(bu)(bu)(bu)來(lai)，大家非常恐懼。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)便(bian)親自犒賞戰士，多加撫慰，人人感(gan)激他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)恩德(de)(de)，都(dou)樂意為(wei)他(ta)效命(ming)。適逢(feng)拓(tuo)(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)章、賀墮(duo)盧內部互(hu)相紛爭，各(ge)自率(lv)領(ling)(ling)軍(jun)隊暗中(zhong)逃跑。拓(tuo)(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)章的(de)(de)(de)(de)司馬丁建率(lv)領(ling)(ling)軍(jun)隊來(lai)投(tou)降，并(bing)說拓(tuo)(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)章的(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)隊士氣(qi)低落(luo)，可(ke)(ke)以(yi)打敗(bai)(bai)他(ta)們(men)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)派將(jiang)領(ling)(ling)去(qu)追趕并(bing)打敗(bai)(bai)了(le)拓(tuo)(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)章的(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)隊，人心(xin)才(cai)開始安定。
隆(long)安元年（397年），魏軍進入中(zhong)(zhong)山，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶(bao)出奔(ben)到薊，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)詳又自(zi)(zi)立(li)為帝。適逢(feng)劉藻從姚興那里來到，姚興的(de)(de)太史(shi)令高魯派他的(de)(de)外(wai)甥王(wang)景暉隨從劉藻送(song)來一紐玉璽(xi)，并送(song)來圖讖秘文(wen)，說(shuo)：“有德者昌(chang)，無(wu)德者亡(wang)。有德的(de)(de)人接受天命(ming)，柔弱會(hui)變得剛強。”又有歌(ge)謠(yao)說(shuo)：“大風蓬(peng)勃揚起塵埃，八井三刀突(tu)然來。四(si)海鼎沸中(zhong)(zhong)山崩(beng)，惟有德人占三臺(tai)。”于(yu)是慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德的(de)(de)大臣們一起商議(yi)，認為慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)詳在中(zhong)(zhong)山自(zi)(zi)立(li)，魏軍在冀(ji)州(zhou)勢力強盛，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶(bao)還生死未卜，就(jiu)勸慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德繼位。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德不同意(yi)。適逢(feng)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)達從龍城投(tou)奔(ben)鄴城，稱說(shuo)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶(bao)還活著(zhu)，大家的(de)(de)議(yi)論才停止(zhi)。不久，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶(bao)任慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德為丞相，兼(jian)領冀(ji)州(zhou)牧(mu)，秉(bing)承(cheng)皇帝旨意(yi)在南方自(zi)(zi)主(zhu)行事。
建立南燕
慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德哥哥的兒子慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)麟從(cong)義臺投(tou)奔鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)，向慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德游說道(dao)：“中山覆(fu)沒(mei)以后，魏(wei)軍(jun)(jun)一(yi)定會(hui)乘(cheng)勝攻打鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)，鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)雖然積(ji)儲(chu)了(le)糧(liang)食，但是(shi)城(cheng)(cheng)大難以固守，而(er)且士氣低落，不(bu)能戰斗。趁(chen)著魏(wei)軍(jun)(jun)還沒(mei)有(you)(you)到(dao)(dao)(dao)來，聚(ju)集(ji)軍(jun)(jun)隊(dui)南渡，依附(fu)魯陽王慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)和(he)，占據滑(hua)(hua)臺（今河南滑(hua)(hua)縣東），招集(ji)兵馬，積(ji)聚(ju)糧(liang)食，伺機而(er)動，這(zhe)是(shi)上策。魏(wei)軍(jun)(jun)即使攻下中山，勢必(bi)不(bu)會(hui)久留(liu)，不(bu)過是(shi)驅趕(gan)人(ren)口和(he)搶掠財物回去(qu)。人(ren)們不(bu)喜(xi)歡遷徙(xi)，自然會(hui)發生變故，然后，我們振奮威(wei)武前(qian)去(qu)救援，北魏(wei)就(jiu)會(hui)內(nei)外(wai)受敵，使迷(mi)戀舊(jiu)土的人(ren)有(you)(you)所依靠，廣泛地顯示恩愛(ai)信義，招集(ji)遣(qian)民，就(jiu)可以一(yi)舉而(er)攻取。”此前(qian)，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)和(he)也勸慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德南遷，這(zhe)時(shi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德就(jiu)同意了(le)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)麟的主張。于隆安二年(nian)（398年(nian)），率領四萬戶、二萬七千乘(cheng)車，從(cong)鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)準(zhun)備遷移(yi)到(dao)(dao)(dao)滑(hua)(hua)臺。遇(yu)到(dao)(dao)(dao)大風，船只沉沒(mei)，魏(wei)軍(jun)(jun)將(jiang)要(yao)趕(gan)到(dao)(dao)(dao)，大家都害怕，商議想退守黎陽。當(dang)天(tian)晚上河面(mian)上漂浮的冰(bing)塊凍(dong)合在一(yi)起(qi)，封住了(le)河面(mian)，當(dang)夜軍(jun)(jun)隊(dui)渡過了(le)河，第二天(tian)早晨(chen)，魏(wei)軍(jun)(jun)來到(dao)(dao)(dao)，但是(shi)河面(mian)上的冰(bing)塊已經(jing)分裂了(le)，就(jiu)像有(you)(you)神幫(bang)助一(yi)樣。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德便把黎陽津(jin)改為(wei)(wei)天(tian)橋津(jin)。到(dao)(dao)(dao)達滑(hua)(hua)臺，景星在尾宿箕(ji)宿出(chu)現。又在漳水得到(dao)(dao)(dao)白玉，形狀如璽。于是(shi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德依照燕(yan)(yan)元舊(jiu)例，自稱(cheng)燕(yan)(yan)王，稱(cheng)元年(nian)，建立南燕(yan)(yan)，大赦境內(nei)死罪以下的罪犯(fan)，設置百官。任命慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)麟為(wei)(wei)司空(kong)、兼(jian)領尚(shang)書令，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)法為(wei)(wei)中軍(jun)(jun)將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)，慕(mu)(mu)輿拔為(wei)(wei)尚(shang)書左仆射(she)，丁通為(wei)(wei)尚(shang)書右仆射(she)，其余(yu)人(ren)封授官職各(ge)有(you)(you)不(bu)等(deng)。當(dang)初，河間有(you)(you)麟出(chu)現，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)麟認為(wei)(wei)是(shi)自己的祥瑞。到(dao)(dao)(dao)此時(shi)，秘密地策劃反叛，事情發覺被賜死。當(dang)年(nian)夏天(tian)，魏(wei)將(jiang)賀賴盧率領軍(jun)(jun)隊(dui)歸附(fu)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德。
怒殺趙思
此時(shi)，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)(bao)從龍城南逃(tao)到(dao)(dao)(dao)黎陽(yang)，派中黃門令趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)去(qu)(qu)叫慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)鐘來(lai)迎(ying)接(jie)自己(ji)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)鐘本來(lai)是首先倡(chang)議慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德稱(cheng)王(wang)的(de)，聽(ting)到(dao)(dao)(dao)趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)來(lai)了(le)，很是憎惡，把他抓起來(lai)送到(dao)(dao)(dao)監獄，然(ran)后派人(ren)飛(fei)速地(di)向(xiang)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德報(bao)告情況。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德對下(xia)臣們說(shuo)(shuo)：“你們以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)前為(wei)了(le)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)(jia)大計，勸我(wo)攝政。我(wo)也因為(wei)繼(ji)位(wei)(wei)(wei)的(de)國(guo)(guo)(guo)君(jun)(jun)(jun)逃(tao)亡(wang)在(zai)(zai)外(wai)，入(ru)神都沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)了(le)君(jun)(jun)(jun)主，所(suo)以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)權且服從大家(jia)(jia)的(de)建議，以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)撫(fu)眾望。現在(zai)(zai)上(shang)(shang)天(tian)正(zheng)在(zai)(zai)追悔(hui)所(suo)造成(cheng)(cheng)的(de)禍難，繼(ji)位(wei)(wei)(wei)國(guo)(guo)(guo)君(jun)(jun)(jun)能(neng)夠回(hui)來(lai)，我(wo)將準(zhun)備(bei)車．駕去(qu)(qu)迎(ying)接(jie)，并在(zai)(zai)行宮前謝罪(zui)，然(ran)后回(hui)家(jia)(jia)隱(yin)居，各位(wei)(wei)(wei)以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)為(wei)如(ru)何？”黃門侍郎張華進言(yan)說(shuo)(shuo)：“在(zai)(zai)爭奪天(tian)下(xia)的(de)時(shi)代，沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)雄才不(bu)能(neng)奮(fen)起；在(zai)(zai)兵(bing)馬馳騁(cheng)之(zhi)(zhi)年，豈是懦夫能(neng)夠成(cheng)(cheng)大事的(de)！陛(bi)下(xia)如(ru)果(guo)施(shi)行匹婦之(zhi)(zhi)仁(ren)，舍(she)棄上(shang)(shang)天(tian)授(shou)予的(de)大業，威(wei)勢和權力一去(qu)(qu)，就(jiu)會性命不(bu)保，還會有(you)(you)什么退讓之(zhi)(zhi)事呢(ni)！”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德說(shuo)(shuo)：“我(wo)因為(wei)像(xiang)古人(ren)那樣逆(ni)取順守，統治(zhi)之(zhi)(zhi)道(dao)不(bu)足，所(suo)以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)在(zai)(zai)中途徘徊猶豫，沒(mei)(mei)下(xia)決(jue)心(xin)(xin)而(er)已。”慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)護(hu)請(qing)求火(huo)速去(qu)(qu)探問慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)(bao)的(de)虛實，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德流著眼淚(lei)送走了(le)他。慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)護(hu)于是率領(ling)數百名勇(yong)士，跟著趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)北(bei)去(qu)(qu)，謀劃(hua)殺(sha)死(si)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)(bao)。當初，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)(bao)派趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)出去(qu)(qu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)后，知道(dao)了(le)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德替代了(le)自己(ji)登上(shang)(shang)王(wang)位(wei)(wei)(wei)，很害怕，就(jiu)向(xiang)北(bei)逃(tao)跑。慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)護(hu)到(dao)(dao)(dao)了(le)黎陽(yang)未見(jian)到(dao)(dao)(dao)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)(bao)，就(jiu)押著趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)回(hui)來(lai)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德因為(wei)趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)熟習(xi)典(dian)制掌故，準(zhun)備(bei)任(ren)用他。趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)說(shuo)(shuo)：“當年關羽被曹(cao)操看重，還忘不(bu)了(le)先主劉備(bei)的(de)恩德。我(wo)趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)雖然(ran)是死(si)而(er)后生的(de)役(yi)隸，但是蒙(meng)受國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)(jia)的(de)恩寵，犬馬尚且有(you)(you)報(bao)恩之(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)(xin)，何況人(ren)呢(ni)！請(qing)允許我(wo)回(hui)去(qu)(qu)，以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)表明(ming)我(wo)的(de)節(jie)操。”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德堅(jian)決(jue)留他，趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)憤(fen)怒地(di)說(shuo)(shuo)：“周室衰微時(shi)，晉國(guo)(guo)(guo)、鄭國(guo)(guo)(guo)輔佐；漢(han)朝(chao)有(you)(you)七國(guo)(guo)(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)難，依賴梁(liang)孝王(wang)扶持(chi)。殿下(xia)從親戚上(shang)(shang)說(shuo)(shuo)是主上(shang)(shang)的(de)叔父，從地(di)位(wei)(wei)(wei)上(shang)(shang)說(shuo)(shuo)是三公(gong)，不(bu)能(neng)率領(ling)公(gong)卿匡扶王(wang)室，卻希望王(wang)室傾覆而(er)去(qu)(qu)做(zuo)趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)王(wang)司馬倫之(zhi)(zhi)事。我(wo)趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)雖然(ran)無法仿效(xiao)申(shen)包胥到(dao)(dao)(dao)秦國(guo)(guo)(guo)哭求援軍，卻羨(xian)慕(mu)(mu)君(jun)(jun)(jun)賓不(bu)活在(zai)(zai)王(wang)莽稱(cheng)帝之(zhi)(zhi)時(shi)。”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德大怒，殺(sha)了(le)趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)思(si)。
敗晉殺廣
東晉(jin)(jin)南陽太守閭丘羨、寧朔將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)鄧啟方率領二萬軍(jun)(jun)隊來(lai)攻打，軍(jun)(jun)隊駐扎在管(guan)城。慕容(rong)(rong)德派出他(ta)的中軍(jun)(jun)將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)慕容(rong)(rong)法、撫軍(jun)(jun)將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)慕容(rong)(rong)和等人前去抵抗，晉(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)被打得大敗(bai)。慕容(rong)(rong)德對慕容(rong)(rong)法沒有窮(qiong)追(zhui)猛打晉(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)很生氣，于是(shi)殺了他(ta)的撫軍(jun)(jun)司馬靳瑰。
當初(chu)，苻(fu)登被姚興消滅以(yi)后(hou)，苻(fu)登的弟弟苻(fu)廣率(lv)領(ling)部落向(xiang)慕容(rong)德(de)投降(jiang)，慕容(rong)德(de)任(ren)命他為冠軍(jun)將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)，安置(zhi)在(zai)乞活堡。此時有(you)火星停留(liu)在(zai)井宿(su)，有(you)人說前秦(qin)將(jiang)(jiang)會重新興起，苻(fu)廣于是自稱秦(qin)王，打敗了慕容(rong)德(de)的將(jiang)(jiang)領(ling)慕容(rong)鐘。當時慕容(rong)德(de)初(chu)定都在(zai)滑臺，介于東晉、北魏之間(jian)，地沒(mei)有(you)十城，軍(jun)隊(dui)不(bu)過(guo)數萬。到了慕容(rong)鐘打了敗仗，反覆無常之人大多(duo)歸附苻(fu)廣。慕容(rong)德(de)就留(liu)下慕容(rong)和(he)守(shou)滑臺，親自率(lv)領(ling)軍(jun)隊(dui)討(tao)伐(fa)苻(fu)廣，殺了苻(fu)廣。
諸縣投降
當(dang)初(chu)，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)到(dao)黎陽的時(shi)候，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)和(he)的長(chang)史李辯(bian)勸慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)和(he)接納慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)寶(bao)，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)和(he)不(bu)(bu)同意。李辯(bian)害怕計謀(mou)泄露，就(jiu)帶領晉軍來(lai)(lai)到(dao)管城，希望慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)能(neng)親自率領軍隊出戰，自己(ji)在后面作亂。但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)不(bu)(bu)出來(lai)(lai)，李辯(bian)更加不(bu)(bu)安；到(dao)了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)這次出征(zheng)時(shi)，李辯(bian)又勸慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)和(he)謀(mou)反，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)和(he)不(bu)(bu)聽從(cong)。李辯(bian)很憤怒，殺(sha)了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)和(he)，以滑臺投降北(bei)魏。當(dang)時(shi)將士們的家(jia)人都在滑臺城內，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)準備攻(gong)打(da)滑臺，韓范對慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)說：“魏軍已(yi)經(jing)進城，占據了國都作為(wei)資(zi)本，客主之間的形勢，已(yi)經(jing)顛倒，人情已(yi)經(jing)改變，不(bu)(bu)能(neng)夠(gou)攻(gong)打(da)。應該首先占據一方，作為(wei)關中的基地，然后再積蓄力(li)量攻(gong)打(da)，這是上策。”慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)這才停止攻(gong)城的計謀(mou)。
慕(mu)容德(de)的(de)(de)(de)右衛將軍慕(mu)容云(yun)殺了李辯，率領(ling)將士的(de)(de)(de)二(er)萬多家屬沖出了滑臺(tai)城(cheng)，三(san)軍歡慶。慕(mu)容德(de)和(he)大(da)(da)家一(yi)(yi)起商(shang)議說(shuo)：“苻廣雖然(ran)(ran)被(bei)平定了，但撫(fu)軍進退兩(liang)難，進有(you)強(qiang)大(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)敵人，退又沒有(you)安身的(de)(de)(de)地(di)(di)方(fang)，諸位有(you)何良策(ce)？”張華(hua)進言(yan)說(shuo)：“彭城(cheng)這個(ge)(ge)地(di)(di)方(fang)有(you)山川阻隔，是(shi)(shi)(shi)楚國的(de)(de)(de)舊都，地(di)(di)形(xing)險(xian)(xian)要，人口眾多，可以(yi)攻(gong)(gong)打(da)占領(ling)其地(di)(di)，作為發展(zhan)的(de)(de)(de)基(ji)地(di)(di)。”慕(mu)容鐘、慕(mu)輿護(hu)、封逞、韓讠卓等堅(jian)(jian)決勸慕(mu)容德(de)攻(gong)(gong)打(da)滑臺(tai)，潘聰：“滑臺(tai)四通八達，不(bu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)帝王長(chang)(chang)住的(de)(de)(de)地(di)(di)方(fang)。而(er)(er)且北邊和(he)強(qiang)大(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)魏相通，西邊和(he)強(qiang)盛的(de)(de)(de)秦(qin)接連，這兩(liang)個(ge)(ge)國家，都不(bu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)可以(yi)高(gao)枕無憂來對待的(de)(de)(de)。彭城(cheng)地(di)(di)廣人稀，地(di)(di)平而(er)(er)沒有(you)險(xian)(xian)要之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)處(chu)，又是(shi)(shi)(shi)東(dong)晉(jin)的(de)(de)(de)舊鎮，一(yi)(yi)定會受到抵抗。又和(he)江、淮(huai)靠(kao)近，水路(lu)通達，秋夏(xia)連日大(da)(da)雨，千里之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)地(di)(di)變(bian)成了湖泊。而(er)(er)且水戰是(shi)(shi)(shi)我國的(de)(de)(de)短處(chu)，是(shi)(shi)(shi)東(dong)晉(jin)的(de)(de)(de)長(chang)(chang)處(chu)，即使攻(gong)(gong)下了彭城(cheng)，也(ye)不(bu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)長(chang)(chang)久之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)計。青、齊土(tu)地(di)(di)肥沃，號稱‘東(dong)秦(qin)’，土(tu)地(di)(di)方(fang)圓二(er)千里，人口超過十(shi)萬戶(hu)，四面險(xian)(xian)要，背靠(kao)大(da)(da)海，可以(yi)說(shuo)是(shi)(shi)(shi)用(yong)武之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)地(di)(di)。三(san)蠻的(de)(de)(de)豪(hao)杰，立(li)志以(yi)待，誰不(bu)想(xiang)得遇圣明(ming)的(de)(de)(de)君主建立(li)功(gong)業！廣固是(shi)(shi)(shi)曹(cao)嶷營建的(de)(de)(de)，山川險(xian)(xian)峻，足以(yi)作為帝王之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)都。最好先派一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)能言(yan)善(shan)辯的(de)(de)(de)人飛速前去游說(shuo)，然(ran)(ran)后大(da)(da)軍跟著前進。避閭(lv)渾從前辜負過國家的(de)(de)(de)恩德(de)，現在一(yi)(yi)定會翻然(ran)(ran)悔悟。如果他(ta)還是(shi)(shi)(shi)堅(jian)(jian)持錯誤不(bu)歸順，大(da)(da)軍到達之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)時，他(ta)們自然(ran)(ran)土(tu)崩瓦解。占據廣固以(yi)后，閉關(guan)(guan)而(er)(er)養精蓄銳，伺機而(er)(er)動，這也(ye)是(shi)(shi)(shi)像二(er)漢占據了關(guan)(guan)中(zhong)、河(he)內地(di)(di)區。”
慕容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)猶豫不(bu)決。沙門郎公(gong)素來(lai)懂得(de)通過觀察(cha)天象(xiang)(xiang)變化來(lai)預測吉兇，慕容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)于是去拜訪他。郎公(gong)說：“我(wo)恭(gong)敬地(di)(di)看了這三個策略，潘尚書的言論可以說是興(xing)邦之(zhi)術。今年初，長(chang)星(xing)在奎宿(su)、婁宿(su)之(zhi)間出現，進(jin)而(er)掃過虛宿(su)、危(wei)宿(su)，而(er)虛危(wei)二宿(su)對應齊(qi)地(di)(di)，是除舊布新之(zhi)象(xiang)(xiang)。應當(dang)首先平(ping)定魯地(di)(di)，巡撫(fu)瑯邪，等到(dao)秋風當(dang)令，然后轉(zhuan)向北(bei)到(dao)達齊(qi)地(di)(di)，這是天道。”慕容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)非常高興(xing)，帶領軍隊向南走，兗州北(bei)部(bu)邊界各縣(xian)全都(dou)投(tou)降，慕容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)設置地(di)(di)方官吏安(an)撫(fu)他們。慕容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)訪問當(dang)地(di)(di)的老(lao)年人，軍隊沒(mei)有搶掠的，老(lao)百姓感到(dao)平(ping)安(an)，犒勞慕容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)的牛和酒絡(luo)繹不(bu)絕。
慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)派(pai)(pai)人(ren)勸導(dao)齊郡(jun)太守避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)，避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)不聽從，慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)派(pai)(pai)慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)鐘率領(ling)二(er)萬步兵騎兵攻(gong)打避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)。慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)進據(ju)瑯(lang)邪，徐、兗兩州(zhou)有(you)十多萬人(ren)歸附(fu)，從瑯(lang)邪而(er)北，有(you)四萬多人(ren)迎接。慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)前進攻(gong)打莒城，守城的(de)將(jiang)領(ling)任安放棄城邑(yi)逃跑，慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)讓潘聰鎮(zhen)守莒城。慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)鐘把檄(xi)(xi)文(wen)傳發到(dao)(dao)青州(zhou)各郡(jun)。避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)聽說(shuo)慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)的(de)軍隊將(jiang)要到(dao)(dao)來，就(jiu)把八千多戶(hu)遷進廣固(gu)。各郡(jun)都(dou)在接到(dao)(dao)檄(xi)(xi)文(wen)后(hou)(hou)向慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)投(tou)降。避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)很害怕，帶(dai)著妻子兒女投(tou)奔北魏。慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)派(pai)(pai)射(she)聲校(xiao)尉劉綱追趕避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)，在莒城追上并殺(sha)了他(ta)。避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)的(de)參軍張锳常給(gei)避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)作檄(xi)(xi)文(wen)，文(wen)辭大多傲(ao)慢。這時，慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)俘獲(huo)并責罵(ma)他(ta)。張锳神(shen)色自若，從容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)地回(hui)答(da)說(shuo)：“避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)(lv)渾(hun)有(you)了我(wo)，就(jiu)像韓信(xin)有(you)了蒯(kuai)通。蒯(kuai)通碰到(dao)(dao)漢太祖后(hou)(hou)得到(dao)(dao)了寬恕，我(wo)碰到(dao)(dao)陛下卻(que)受到(dao)(dao)殺(sha)戮，跟古人(ren)相比，我(wo)認為是不幸。受到(dao)(dao)像防風氏那(nei)(nei)樣(yang)的(de)誅殺(sha)，我(wo)心甘情愿，但恐堯、舜(shun)那(nei)(nei)樣(yang)的(de)教化(hua)不能弘揚四海。”慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)開始很贊(zan)賞他(ta)的(de)話，后(hou)(hou)來終于殺(sha)了他(ta)。慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)進入廣固(gu)。
稱帝除亂
隆(long)安四年(nian)(nian)（400年(nian)(nian)），慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德在(zai)南郊正式(shi)稱帝，大赦天(tian)下，改年(nian)(nian)號(hao)為(wei)建平。在(zai)宮廷(ting)南設立臨時(shi)宗廟，派人拿(na)著策書(shu)去報(bao)告事(shi)成。進升慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)鐘為(wei)司(si)徒，慕(mu)(mu)輿拔為(wei)司(si)空，封孚為(wei)左仆(pu)射，慕(mu)(mu)輿護為(wei)右仆(pu)射。派度支(zhi)尚書(shu)封愷、中書(shu)侍(shi)郎封逞去觀(guan)察風俗得失，大宴(yan)將士(shi)(shi)。立他妻(qi)子(zi)段季妃為(wei)皇后(hou)。建立學官(guan)，簡選公卿以下子(zi)弟和二品士(shi)(shi)門共(gong)二百人為(wei)太學生。
第二(er)年（401年），慕(mu)(mu)容德(de)去齊城(cheng)(cheng)，登上營丘，看見了(le)(le)晏(yan)嬰之墓(mu)，對身邊的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)說(shuo)：“根據禮(li)法，大(da)夫(fu)不(bu)靠近城(cheng)(cheng)里(li)安(an)葬。晏(yan)平(ping)仲是古代的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)賢(xian)人(ren)(ren)，是通達禮(li)法的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)，但他(ta)活著的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)時候(hou)居(ju)住在(zai)(zai)(zai)(zai)靠近市(shi)肆的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地(di)方(fang)，死后(hou)埋葬在(zai)(zai)(zai)(zai)城(cheng)(cheng)附近，難道有什么深意(yi)(yi)嗎(ma)？”青州秀才晏(yan)謨回答說(shuo)：“孔子(zi)稱(cheng)贊我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)先人(ren)(ren)晏(yan)平(ping)仲是賢(xian)人(ren)(ren)，那就是賢(xian)人(ren)(ren)了(le)(le)。難道還不(bu)懂得增高其屋梁(liang)，豐富其禮(li)儀(yi)嗎(ma)？大(da)概是政令(ling)出自大(da)夫(fu)之家(jia)，所以(yi)(yi)(yi)用(yong)儉(jian)樸來矯(jiao)正世俗。活著的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)時候(hou)居(ju)住在(zai)(zai)(zai)(zai)低下狹小的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地(di)方(fang)，死后(hou)難道還挑選安(an)葬的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地(di)方(fang)嗎(ma)？不(bu)遠離家(jia)門安(an)葬的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)原因，仍然(ran)是希望人(ren)(ren)們理解(jie)他(ta)平(ping)生的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)心(xin)志。”慕(mu)(mu)容德(de)就讓(rang)晏(yan)謨跟(gen)隨自己到(dao)了(le)(le)漢城(cheng)(cheng)陽景王廟，在(zai)(zai)(zai)(zai)申池宴請(qing)老人(ren)(ren)，往(wang)北登上社首山(shan)，向(xiang)東看鼎足，注(zhu)視著牛(niu)山(shan)感嘆說(shuo)： “自古以(yi)(yi)(yi)來沒有不(bu)死的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)！”悲愴而有死后(hou)葬在(zai)(zai)(zai)(zai)這里(li)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)心(xin)意(yi)(yi)。接著詢問晏(yan)謨關于齊地(di)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)山(shan)川(chuan)丘陵(ling)，以(yi)(yi)(yi)及賢(xian)哲們的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)舊事。晏(yan)謨一(yi)一(yi)詳細地(di)回答，并(bing)在(zai)(zai)(zai)(zai)地(di)上畫出了(le)(le)圖。慕(mu)(mu)容德(de)非常(chang)(chang)贊賞晏(yan)謨，任他(ta)為(wei)尚(shang)書郎。慕(mu)(mu)容德(de)在(zai)(zai)(zai)(zai)商(shang)山(shan)安(an)排了(le)(le)鑄造器具的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)工匠，在(zai)(zai)(zai)(zai)烏常(chang)(chang)澤(ze)設置鹽(yan)官，用(yong)以(yi)(yi)(yi)擴大(da)軍隊和國家(jia)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)物資供給。
慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)原來(lai)的官員趙融從長安(an)來(lai)，說(shuo)(shuo)到了慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)母(mu)親和哥哥的死(si)訊。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)放聲(sheng)痛哭以至(zhi)于(yu)吐血，因(yin)而臥病不起。司隸(li)校尉慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)達(da)因(yin)此策劃反叛(pan)，派牙門(men)皇璆率領軍(jun)隊攻打端門(men)，殿中帥(shuai)侯赤(chi)眉打開城門(men)接(jie)應。中黃門(men)遜進(jin)(jin)扶著(zhu)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)越過城墻，躲到遜進(jin)(jin)的房舍里。段宏(hong)等人聽說(shuo)(shuo)宮(gong)中有(you)變故，就率領軍(jun)隊駐守四門(men)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)入宮(gong)，殺(sha)了侯赤(chi)眉等人，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)達(da)害怕而投(tou)奔北(bei)魏(wei)(wei)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)法和魏(wei)(wei)軍(jun)在濟水北(bei)邊(bian)的摽榆俗交戰，魏(wei)(wei)軍(jun)被打得大(da)敗。
納議聚儒
尚(shang)(shang)書(shu)(shu)韓讠卓(zhuo)上疏，提出(chu)休養軍(jun)隊(dui)，修煉兵器，擴大農耕，積儲糧食，審核戶籍、增加軍(jun)資等建議(yi)，慕容(rong)德采納了(le)他的建議(yi)，派車騎(qi)將軍(jun)慕容(rong)鎮率領(ling)三千(qian)騎(qi)兵，沿著邊界嚴(yan)密(mi)地(di)設防(fang)，防(fang)備老(lao)百(bai)姓逃跑。任(ren)命(ming)韓讠卓(zhuo)為使持(chi)節、散騎(qi)常侍(shi)、行(xing)臺尚(shang)(shang)書(shu)(shu)，巡行(xing)到(dao)各(ge)郡(jun)縣進行(xing)審核，查得佃(dian)客五萬八千(qian)人。韓讠卓(zhuo)公正廉潔，到(dao)了(le)哪里(li)都(dou)是在野外住宿，不打擾當地(di)人民。
慕容(rong)德大規模地聚(ju)集儒生，親自策(ce)試。又設宴招待(dai)，慕容(rong)德登(deng)上(shang)高(gao)處眺望(wang)遠方，回(hui)過頭對(dui)尚書(shu)魯邃說(shuo)：“齊、魯一(yi)帶本來就多君子(zi)(zi)，在(zai)從(cong)前(qian)全盛的(de)(de)時代(dai)，接、慎、巴生、淳(chun)于、鄒、田(tian)這(zhe)批(pi)人，避居在(zai)長檐之(zhi)下(xia)，面對(dui)著清澈的(de)(de)池水，乘著紅(hong)漆輪子(zi)(zi)的(de)(de)華貴車子(zi)(zi)飛奔，佩帶長劍，隨意發揮像白馬(ma)非馬(ma)這(zhe)樣(yang)的(de)(de)雄辯(bian)(bian)，像鄒衍(yan)談天(tian)(tian)那樣(yang)的(de)(de)論辯(bian)(bian)，揮手則紅(hong)紫成為(wei)錦章，前(qian)俯后仰則丘陵(ling)生出韻律。到(dao)(dao)了(le)今天(tian)(tian)，荒草頹墳(fen)，氣消煙減，長言千載流(liu)傳，能不(bu)依然(ran)如故！”魯邃回(hui)答說(shuo)：“周(zhou)(zhou)武(wu)王在(zai)比干的(de)(de)墳(fen)墓上(shang)添土，漢太(tai)祖(zu)祭奠信陵(ling)君的(de)(de)墳(fen)墓，這(zhe)都是重視圣賢的(de)(de)人，常常思念他們過去的(de)(de)事跡。陛下(xia)比周(zhou)(zhou)武(wu)王和漢太(tai)祖(zu)還(huan)要仁慈，德澤施到(dao)(dao)了(le)九泉之(zhi)下(xia)，如果他們地下(xia)有知，難道(dao)還(huan)不(bu)感恩戴德！”
伐晉去世
當時(shi)(shi)東晉桓(huan)玄(xuan)準備(bei)(bei)篡奪東晉政權，誅殺(sha)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)歸附自己的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)(ren)。冀州刺史劉軌、襄城太(tai)守司馬休之(zhi)(zhi)、征虜將(jiang)軍劉敬宣、廣陵(ling)相(xiang)高雅之(zhi)(zhi)、江都(dou)長張誕都(dou)心里(li)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)安(an)，全部(bu)投奔了(le)(le)慕容(rong)德(de)。慕容(rong)德(de)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)中書侍郎韓(han)范(fan)上疏說(shuo)：“帝王之(zhi)(zhi)道(dao)，一定是(shi)(shi)崇尚籌劃和治理。有(you)時(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)(ji)卻沒有(you)人(ren)(ren)(ren)才，濟世之(zhi)(zhi)功就會(hui)落空(kong)；有(you)人(ren)(ren)(ren)才卻沒有(you)時(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)(ji)，英武大(da)志(zhi)就不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能伸展(zhan)。能夠成就王業(ye)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)，是(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)才和時(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)(ji)都(dou)具備(bei)(bei)。自從東晉內亂，到(dao)現在(zai)已經(jing)七年。桓(huan)玄(xuan)叛亂，比董卓更(geng)(geng)加(jia)暴虐(nve)，神怒人(ren)(ren)(ren)怨，他的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)禍(huo)殃已經(jing)積累(lei)了(le)(le)。可乘之(zhi)(zhi)機(ji)(ji)(ji)，沒有(you)比現在(zai)更(geng)(geng)適合的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)了(le)(le)。憑著(zhu)(zhu)陛下的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)神武，規劃這件事(shi)情，指(zhi)(zhi)揮(hui)著(zhu)(zhu)樂于(yu)奮勇的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)士(shi)兵，乘人(ren)(ren)(ren)民(min)厭惡禍(huo)亂的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)時(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)(ji)，就好像是(shi)(shi)發(fa)出聲音后馬上就有(you)回(hui)聲，身(shen)形一動影子馬上跟著(zhu)(zhu)，還不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)足以(yi)比喻(yu)事(shi)情的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)容(rong)易(yi)。而且江、淮南北的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)(ren)口不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)多，公(gong)私人(ren)(ren)(ren)馬不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)過數百(bai)(bai)，守備(bei)(bei)之(zhi)(zhi)事(shi)也很少(shao)。如果(guo)用(yong)一萬(wan)(wan)(wan)騎兵步兵，發(fa)動雷霆萬(wan)(wan)(wan)鉤的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)攻勢(shi)，長驅(qu)直(zhi)入，直(zhi)指(zhi)(zhi)江、會(hui)，一定會(hui)使敵人(ren)(ren)(ren)見我(wo)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)戰旗而投降，老(lao)百(bai)(bai)姓(xing)犒勞我(wo)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)酒食擺(bai)滿道(dao)路。地方跨(kua)越數千(qian)里(li)，軍隊(dui)超過十萬(wan)(wan)(wan)人(ren)(ren)(ren)，可以(yi)向(xiang)西兼并強(qiang)秦，向(xiang)北抵抗北魏。想(xiang)要開拓邊境(jing)，使國家安(an)定，再沒有(you)比現在(zai)更(geng)(geng)好的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)時(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)(ji)了(le)(le)。如果(guo)錯(cuo)過時(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)(ji)，豪杰們(men)再次興(xing)起，誅除(chu)了(le)(le)桓(huan)玄(xuan)，推行(xing)維新教化，遠(yuan)近都(dou)安(an)定，人(ren)(ren)(ren)們(men)沒有(you)其(qi)他的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)想(xiang)望，不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)但建鄴難(nan)(nan)以(yi)攻滅，就連(lian)江北也沒有(you)希望。時(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)(ji)錯(cuo)過，禍(huo)難(nan)(nan)滋生，憂(you)患一定會(hui)到(dao)來(lai)。天(tian)意給(gei)與(yu)卻不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)去獲取，悔恨就要降臨。希望陛下看我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)奏章。”
慕容(rong)(rong)德說：“近來(lai)多次(ci)遭受(shou)厄(e)運，國家綱紀突然廢弛，使(shi)(shi)得(de)(de)奸逆禍亂(luan)華夏，原(yuan)來(lai)的(de)京都(dou)成了(le)廢墟，每次(ci)遭逢惡(e)運，我都(dou)是感到憤(fen)憤(fen)不(bu)(bu)平。從(cong)前少(shao)康用(yong)一(yi)旅(lv)的(de)軍隊，恢(hui)復夏朝配享上(shang)天(tian)，何況(kuang)朕占據著(zhu)三齊(qi)之(zhi)(zhi)地(di)，憑(ping)藉著(zhu)五州(zhou)之(zhi)(zhi)眾，把打仗的(de)本領教給(gei)他們，用(yong)禮(li)讓的(de)道(dao)理引導(dao)他們，上(shang)下都(dou)懂(dong)得(de)(de)大(da)義，人人都(dou)發奮(fen)而起，整(zheng)軍待機，已經很(hen)久(jiu)。原(yuan)想先安(an)定(ding)中原(yuan)，掃(sao)除逃亡的(de)罪人，然后廣泛(fan)傳(chuan)播淳樸(pu)的(de)風氣，治理全國，飲馬(ma)長江，在(zai)隴坂掛起旌(jing)旗。這個(ge)志向還沒(mei)有實現，暫且收起兵(bing)(bing)(bing)器而已。現在(zai)的(de)事情，希望各位王公們詳密地(di)討論。”大(da)家都(dou)認(ren)為桓玄(xuan)剛(gang)剛(gang)得(de)(de)志，不(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)攻打他，便作(zuo)罷。于(yu)是在(zai)城西講習(xi)武藝，共有步兵(bing)(bing)(bing)三十七萬，戰車一(yi)萬七千(qian)乘(cheng)，騎兵(bing)(bing)(bing)五萬三千(qian)，人馬(ma)連山，旌(jing)旗遍野，釭鼓(gu)聲震天(tian)動地(di)。慕容(rong)(rong)德登上(shang)高(gao)處察(cha)看，回(hui)過頭(tou)來(lai)對(dui)劉軌、高(gao)雅(ya)之(zhi)(zhi)說：“當年郤克怨恨齊(qi)國，伍子胥損怨恨楚國，終于(yu)能(neng)(neng)夠伸張其(qi)剛(gang)毅勇烈，名(ming)聲流(liu)傳(chuan)千(qian)古。你(ni)們既然知曉(xiao)投身有道(dao)明(ming)君，應當使(shi)(shi)自己無愧于(yu)古人啊(a)。”高(gao)雅(ya)之(zhi)(zhi)等頓首(shou)回(hui)答說：“我們有幸承蒙(meng)陛下天(tian)大(da)的(de)恩情，地(di)大(da)的(de)德澤，存亡斷絕(jue)，正(zheng)在(zai)這圣明(ming)的(de)時代，我們即使(shi)(shi)死上(shang)一(yi)萬次(ci)，也不(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)上(shang)報陛下的(de)恩德！”不(bu)(bu)久(jiu)就聽(ting)到了(le)桓玄(xuan)失敗的(de)消息，慕容(rong)(rong)德任命慕容(rong)(rong)鎮為前鋒(feng)，慕容(rong)(rong)鐘為大(da)都(dou)督，用(yong)二萬步兵(bing)(bing)(bing)，五千(qian)騎兵(bing)(bing)(bing)，限定(ding)日期出(chu)發，但慕容(rong)(rong)德恰巧生病，便停止出(chu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)。
當初，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德派(pai)人(ren)去(qu)(qu)長安(an)(an)接他哥哥慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)納(na)之子慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)超(chao)，義熙元年(nian)（405年(nian)），慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)超(chao)才被(bei)接回南燕(yan)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德晚上(shang)夢(meng)見父親(qin)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝對他說：“你既(ji)然沒(mei)有兒子，為什么(me)不(bu)及早立(li)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)超(chao)為太子？不(bu)然，惡(e)人(ren)就要(yao)(yao)篡(cuan)位了。”慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德醒后告訴(su)他的(de)妻子說：“這是先帝(di)的(de)神明所告，體會這個夢(meng)的(de)意(yi)思，我就要(yao)(yao)死了。”于(yu)是下詔(zhao)立(li)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)超(chao)為皇太子，大(da)赦境(jing)內，兒子繼承(cheng)父親(qin)的(de)每人(ren)爵(jue)升二(er)級。當月(yue)，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德去(qu)(qu)世(shi)，時年(nian)七(qi)十歲。連夜(ye)做了十多(duo)口(kou)棺材，分別從四個門抬出，秘密(mi)地(di)安(an)(an)葬(zang)在山谷(gu)里，最終無(wu)人(ren)知道他的(de)尸體葬(zang)在什么(me)地(di)方(fang)，對外(wai)謊稱葬(zang)于(yu)東陽(yang)陵(ling)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德共在位六年(nian)，謚(shi)號獻武皇帝(di)，廟號世(shi)宗。
趣聞軼事
爭進直言
慕(mu)容德稱帝(di)(di)之后，有一(yi)(yi)次乘著(zhu)宴會(hui)群臣，喝酒正酣時(shi)，笑(xiao)著(zhu)說道：“朕雖(sui)然德行寡薄，但是(shi)(shi)莊(zhuang)嚴端正地坐在(zai)朝(chao)廷(ting)上(shang)接受諸侯(hou)的朝(chao)見(jian)，在(zai)上(shang)位(wei)卻不(bu)傲慢，整天(tian)為自己的職責(ze)不(bu)敢(gan)怠慢，可以(yi)和自古(gu)以(yi)來(lai)什么樣的君主相(xiang)比？”青州刺史鞠仲(zhong)說：“陛下(xia)是(shi)(shi)中興(xing)的圣明君主，是(shi)(shi)少康、光武帝(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)類的皇(huang)帝(di)(di)。”慕(mu)容德回過頭(tou)命令侍臣賞賜鞠仲(zhong)一(yi)(yi)千匹(pi)帛(bo)。鞠仲(zhong)以(yi)賞賜太多(duo)為由推讓(rang)，慕(mu)容德說：“你(ni)懂得(de)嘲笑(xiao)我，我就(jiu)不(bu)懂得(de)嘲笑(xiao)你(ni)嗎！你(ni)的回答夸(kua)大(da)而不(bu)符合實際(ji)，所以(yi)我也用假(jia)話來(lai)獎賞你(ni)。獎賞并(bing)沒(mei)有錯加到你(ni)頭(tou)上(shang)，哪(na)里值得(de)推辭呢！”韓范進言說：“我認為天(tian)子無戲言，忠(zhong)臣無亂答。今天(tian)的談(tan)論，上(shang)下(xia)相(xiang)欺(qi)，可以(yi)說是(shi)(shi)君臣都不(bu)對。”慕(mu)容德非常高興(xing)，賞賜韓范五十匹(pi)絹。從(cong)此以(yi)后人們爭(zheng)著(zhu)進獻正直(zhi)有益(yi)的言論，朝(chao)廷(ting)多(duo)耿直(zhi)之士(shi)。
探問兄母
慕容(rong)德(de)(de)的(de)(de)(de)(de)母(mu)親(qin)和哥哥原(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)先(xian)在(zai)(zai)長安(an)，慕容(rong)德(de)(de)派平(ping)原(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)人杜(du)(du)(du)(du)弘(hong)去長安(an)探問他(ta)們是否(fou)還(huan)(huan)活著。杜(du)(du)(du)(du)弘(hong)說：“我(wo)到(dao)(dao)了長安(an)，如(ru)果(guo)不能(neng)知(zhi)(zhi)道(dao)太(tai)后的(de)(de)(de)(de)情況，當即就(jiu)西去張掖，用死來(lai)(lai)報效(xiao)。我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)父親(qin)杜(du)(du)(du)(du)雄年(nian)過(guo)六十，還(huan)(huan)沒(mei)有得到(dao)(dao)過(guo)榮華(hua)富貴，懇(ken)請給予本(ben)縣的(de)(de)(de)(de)俸(feng)祿，用以表達我(wo)烏鴉反哺那(nei)樣(yang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)孝心(xin)。”張華(hua)進(jin)言說：“杜(du)(du)(du)(du)弘(hong)還(huan)(huan)沒(mei)有動身就(jiu)請求祿利，求取利益之心(xin)太(tai)重，不能(neng)派他(ta)去。”慕容(rong)德(de)(de)說：“我(wo)正(zheng)在(zai)(zai)散我(wo)所(suo)(suo)看(kan)輕的(de)(de)(de)(de)錢財，招致我(wo)所(suo)(suo)看(kan)重的(de)(de)(de)(de)效(xiao)死之士，何況為(wei)(wei)(wei)了我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)母(mu)親(qin)，能(neng)舍不得錢財嗎！況且杜(du)(du)(du)(du)弘(hong)為(wei)(wei)(wei)君主迎接親(qin)人，為(wei)(wei)(wei)父親(qin)求取祿利，雖然從表面(mian)看(kan)來(lai)(lai)是求取私利，內心(xin)卻是忠孝。”任(ren)命杜(du)(du)(du)(du)雄為(wei)(wei)(wei)平(ping)原(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)令(ling)。杜(du)(du)(du)(du)弘(hong)到(dao)(dao)了張掖，被盜賊殺(sha)死，慕容(rong)德(de)(de)知(zhi)(zhi)道(dao)后很悲傷，優待撫恤杜(du)(du)(du)(du)弘(hong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)妻子兒女。
譏笑王始
泰(tai)山人(ren)王始在(zai)泰(tai)山聚集人(ren)馬，自稱(cheng)太(tai)平皇(huang)帝(di)，稱(cheng)他父親為(wei)(wei)(wei)太(tai)上皇(huang)，哥哥為(wei)(wei)(wei)征(zheng)東(dong)將(jiang)軍(jun)，弟弟為(wei)(wei)(wei)征(zheng)西(xi)將(jiang)軍(jun)。慕(mu)容鎮討伐并擒獲了(le)他，要在(zai)都市斬首。在(zai)即將(jiang)行刑的(de)(de)時候，有人(ren)問王始他父親和(he)兄弟在(zai)什(shen)么地(di)方，王始回答說：“太(tai)上皇(huang)帝(di)流亡在(zai)外，征(zheng)東(dong)將(jiang)軍(jun)、征(zheng)西(xi)將(jiang)軍(jun)被亂(luan)軍(jun)殺害，惟有朕一人(ren)，孤獨(du)沒有了(le)依(yi)賴。”他的(de)(de)妻子生氣地(di)說：“就是(shi)因(yin)為(wei)(wei)(wei)你這張嘴(zui)，才到了(le)這一地(di)步，為(wei)(wei)(wei)什(shen)么又胡說八(ba)道！”王始說：“皇(huang)后(hou)(hou)！自古以來難(nan)道有永不(bu)破(po)敗的(de)(de)家(jia)，永不(bu)滅(mie)亡的(de)(de)國(guo)嗎！”行刑的(de)(de)人(ren)用刀鑲(xiang)擊(ji)打他，他兩眼仰視，說：“駕崩(beng)就駕崩(beng)，永遠不(bu)改帝(di)號。”慕(mu)容德聽到此事后(hou)(hou)譏笑王始。
歷史評價
慕容垂：“汝器識長進，非復(fu)吳(wu)下(xia)阿蒙也。”
房(fang)玄齡等《晉書》：①“慕容德以季父之(zhi)親，居(ju)鄴中之(zhi)重，朝危未(wei)聞(wen)其(qi)節，君存遽踐(jian)其(qi)位，豈(qi)人(ren)理哉！然稟(bing)倜儻(tang)之(zhi)雄姿，韞縱(zong)橫之(zhi)遠略(lve)，屬分崩(beng)之(zhi)運，成角(jiao)逐(zhu)之(zhi)資，跨有(you)(you)全齊，竊弄神器，撫劍而(er)爭衡秦、魏，練甲而(er)志靜(jing)荊、吳，崇儒術(shu)以弘風，延讜言而(er)勵己，觀其(qi)為國，有(you)(you)足稱(cheng)焉。” ②“德實奸雄，轉敗為功(gong)。奄有(you)(you)青土，淫名域中。”；③“年(nian)未(wei)弱冠，身長(chang)八尺二寸，姿貌(mao)雄偉，額(e)有(you)(you)日(ri)角(jiao)偃月重文。博(bo)觀群書，性清慎，多(duo)才(cai)藝。”
一笑易歡 
