后(hou)趙(zhao)建武四年(338年)五月,后(hou)趙(zhao)皇帝石虎(hu)以燕軍(jun)違(wei)約獨攻段部鮮卑,得勝。又以劫掠而歸為由(you),發(fa)兵(bing)數十萬(wan)北(bei)伐,圍(wei)困大棘城(cheng)(今遼寧(ning)義(yi)縣)。燕趙(zhao)兩(liang)軍(jun)相持十余日,趙(zhao)軍(jun)不能克,遂后(hou)退。慕容皝派慕容恪率(lv)2000騎兵(bing)于清晨(chen)出城(cheng)追殺。石虎(hu)見城(cheng)內師(shi)出,大驚,棄甲潰逃。慕容恪乘勝追擊,大敗(bai)后(hou)趙(zhao)軍(jun),斬獲三萬(wan)余級。
后(hou)趙(zhao)建武(wu)四年(338年)十二月,段部鮮卑首領(ling)段遼遣使向后(hou)趙(zhao)請(qing)降(jiang),中途反(fan)悔,又遣使請(qing)降(jiang)于前(qian)燕,并與前(qian)燕合謀設(she)伏,欲消滅趙(zhao)軍(jun)(jun)。時后(hou)趙(zhao)皇帝石虎已派征東將軍(jun)(jun)麻(ma)秋(qiu)、司馬陽(yang)裕等率兵3萬(wan)前(qian)去受(shou)降(jiang)。前(qian)燕王慕容(rong)皝自(zi)統大軍(jun)(jun)前(qian)往迎段遼,派慕容(rong)恪(ke)帶精騎7000埋伏于密云山。慕容(rong)恪(ke)大敗(bai)麻(ma)秋(qiu)于三(san)藏口(今河北承(cheng)德(de)),趙(zhao)軍(jun)(jun)死(si)亡大半,麻(ma)秋(qiu)步行逃(tao)脫,司馬陽(yang)裕被俘。
咸康七(qi)年(341)年十月,燕(yan)王慕容(rong)皝(huang)以慕容(rong)恪為渡遼將(jiang)軍,鎮守平(ping)郭。前燕(yan)自從慕容(rong)翰逃亡,慕容(rong)仁(ren)被殺后,無人能(neng)鎮守遼東。慕容(rong)恪行至平(ping)郭,撫舊懷(huai)新,屢破高(gao)句麗兵(bing),高(gao)句麗畏之,不敢再入(ru)燕(yan)境。
建(jian)元二年(nian)(nian)(nian)(344年(nian)(nian)(nian))二月,慕(mu)容(rong)皝親自帶兵攻宇(yu)(yu)文逸豆歸,以建(jian)威(wei)將(jiang)軍慕(mu)容(rong)翰(于咸康(kang)六年(nian)(nian)(nian)回到燕國)為前鋒將(jiang)軍,劉佩為副將(jiang);命慕(mu)容(rong)恪與(yu)慕(mu)容(rong)軍、慕(mu)容(rong)霸及折沖將(jiang)軍慕(mu)輿根等率兵分三路并進(jin)。最(zui)終(zhong)大破宇(yu)(yu)文軍,燕軍乘勝追擊(ji),攻克宇(yu)(yu)文氏都城(cheng)紫蒙川(chuan)(今遼寧朝陽西(xi)北)。宇(yu)(yu)文逸豆歸敗逃,死于漠(mo)北,宇(yu)(yu)文氏從此散亡。
永(yong)和(he)元年(nian)(345年(nian))十月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝(huang)令(ling)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪攻打高句麗。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪攻拔南蘇(今遼寧撫順(shun)市(shi)東蘇子河與渾河合流處),派(pai)兵留守。永(yong)和(he)二年(nian)(346年(nian))正月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝(huang)派(pai)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪與世(shi)子慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)、慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)軍(jun)、慕(mu)輿根及1.7萬(wan)騎(qi)兵襲(xi)擊扶(fu)(fu)余(yu)國(guo)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁(jun)坐鎮中(zhong)軍(jun)指揮,而(er)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪則統帥諸軍(jun)冒矢石進(jin)擊,攻克扶(fu)(fu)余(yu),俘扶(fu)(fu)余(yu)國(guo)王玄及部(bu)落5萬(wan)余(yu)口而(er)還。
永和六年(350年),后趙(zhao)大將(jiang)軍冉閔占據鄴城,滅(mie)亡后趙(zhao)。自(zi)立為帝,國號大魏,史稱(cheng)冉魏。
永和(he)七年(nian)(351年(nian))八月,慕(mu)容(rong)儁遣(qian)慕(mu)容(rong)恪攻(gong)破中(zhong)山(shan)(今河北定(ding)州)。隨著慕(mu)容(rong)恪攻(gong)占(zhan)中(zhong)山(shan)后,冉閔(min)攻(gong)取了(le)襄國(guo)(今河北邢臺),欲圖幽州。前燕(yan)占(zhan)領幽州后,也想繼(ji)續南(nan)進,圖據中(zhong)原,一場大戰不(bu)可避(bi)免。
永和八年(nian)(352年(nian))四月,冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)將(jiang)(jiang)與前(qian)燕開(kai)戰(zhan)(zhan)。大將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)董(dong)閏、車騎(qi)(qi)將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)張(zhang)溫苦諫(jian)冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min),不(bu)可同前(qian)燕開(kai)戰(zhan)(zhan)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)不(bu)納(na),移(yi)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)于安(an)喜(今河北定(ding)(ding)州)。慕(mu)容恪(ke)隨即(ji)引(yin)(yin)兵(bing)而(er)至。魏燕兩軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)交戰(zhan)(zhan)十(shi)次,燕兵(bing)皆敗。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)素有勇(yong)名(ming),所部(bu)將(jiang)(jiang)士(shi)精銳,燕軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)畏懼。慕(mu)容恪(ke)陣(zhen)前(qian)激勵將(jiang)(jiang)士(shi),指出冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)有勇(yong)無(wu)謀,其軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)饑(ji)疲難用,定(ding)(ding)可擊破。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)所部(bu)多(duo)步卒,欲引(yin)(yin)燕騎(qi)(qi)兵(bing)至叢林作戰(zhan)(zhan)。慕(mu)容恪(ke)采納(na)參軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)高開(kai)之策(ce),急派輕騎(qi)(qi)截(jie)擊之,然(ran)(ran)后(hou)佯敗誘敵(di)至平地,并(bing)將(jiang)(jiang)燕軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)切分(fen)為三部(bu)。慕(mu)容恪(ke)自率中軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun),選善射者(zhe)五(wu)千人,以鐵(tie)鎖連戰(zhan)(zhan)馬結方陣(zhen)而(er)前(qian),另兩部(bu)各置一側(ce)配合(he)主力進擊。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)恃勇(yong)輕敵(di),果然(ran)(ran)中計,直突燕軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)中部(bu)鐵(tie)馬方陣(zhen)。燕軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)側(ce)翼部(bu)隊即(ji)從(cong)兩面(mian)夾擊,大敗冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊,斬七(qi)千余人。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)突圍東走二十(shi)余里,坐騎(qi)(qi)忽死,被(bei)燕軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)所俘,冉(ran)魏滅亡。
元璽元年(nian)(352年(nian)),冉閔(min)被慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪軍(jun)俘(fu)虜后,其(qi)子冉操投奔(ben)鎮守魯(lu)(lu)口(kou)(今(jin)河(he)北饒陽)的大將王(wang)午。七月,王(wang)午自(zi)稱安(an)國王(wang),對抗前燕。八月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容儁遣慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪、太尉(wei)封奕(yi)、尚(shang)書令陽騖攻(gong)打魯(lu)(lu)口(kou)。王(wang)午憑借城(cheng)(cheng)池(chi)之險(xian)進行抵(di)抗,并(bing)把冉操送于燕軍(jun)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪料魯(lu)(lu)口(kou)城(cheng)(cheng)池(chi)堅固(gu),暫難攻(gong)克,遂將城(cheng)(cheng)外的莊(zhuang)稼盡數收割,撤回(hui)中(zhong)山(今(jin)河(he)北定州(zhou)市)。十(shi)月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪屯(tun)安(an)平,積糧,修筑攻(gong)城(cheng)(cheng)器(qi)具,準備攻(gong)討王(wang)午。時中(zhong)山蘇(su)林起(qi)兵于無極,自(zi)稱天子,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪率軍(jun)先攻(gong)討蘇(su)林。十(shi)月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容儁派廣威將軍(jun)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿根幫助慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪,斬蘇(su)林。不久,王(wang)午為其(qi)將秦興殺死(si),呂護又殺秦興,繼承安(an)國王(wang)。
元(yuan)璽三年(nian)(354年(nian))二月(yue)(yue),慕容(rong)(rong)恪再次發兵圍魯口(kou),次月(yue)(yue)克之。呂護(hu)逃(tao)往野(ye)王(今河(he)南(nan)沁陽)。四月(yue)(yue),慕容(rong)(rong)儁以慕容(rong)(rong)恪為(wei)大司馬、侍中、大都督、錄尚書(shu)事,封(feng)太原王。
建熙二年(361年)二月(yue),寧南將軍(jun)呂護(hu)(hu),鎮守(shou)野(ye)王(今河南沁陽),暗中投靠東(dong)晉,東(dong)晉以(yi)呂護(hu)(hu)為前將軍(jun)、冀州刺史。呂護(hu)(hu)欲(yu)引(yin)東(dong)晉軍(jun)偷襲(xi)燕(yan)都鄴城(cheng)(今河北臨漳),未及行動,事情敗露。
三月(yue),燕王(wang)遣慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)統軍(jun)(jun)前往野(ye)王(wang)平叛。慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)率軍(jun)(jun)5萬,冠(guan)軍(jun)(jun)將軍(jun)(jun)皇甫真領兵1萬,進至(zhi)野(ye)王(wang)城(cheng)外(wai),呂護(hu)閉城(cheng)固守(shou)。慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)遂于野(ye)王(wang)城(cheng)外(wai)修筑(zhu)深溝高壘,切斷(duan)守(shou)軍(jun)(jun)外(wai)援,以待機擊之。
七(qi)月(yue)(yue),呂護(hu)軍被(bei)圍數月(yue)(yue),外無救兵,內無糧草(cao)。呂護(hu)被(bei)迫令部(bu)將(jiang)張(zhang)(zhang)興率領7000人馬(ma)出城(cheng)迎戰,張(zhang)(zhang)興被(bei)傅(fu)顏斬殺。當(dang)夜,呂護(hu)以黃甫真營陣為突圍口,率城(cheng)中銳卒試圖突圍。皇甫真事先已做(zuo)好(hao)防備,慕容恪領兵從側翼出擊,呂護(hu)所部(bu)死(si)傷(shang)慘(can)重,呂護(hu)單騎逃往滎陽(yang)(今河南滎陽(yang)),燕軍攻克野(ye)王,結束野(ye)王之戰。
永和六(liu)年(350年)前后,原段氏鮮卑首領段蘭之(zhi)子段龕乘著后趙內亂、冉(ran)魏新立之(zhi)機,統帥部眾南遷陳留(liu)(今河南開封)。七月,東遷廣(guang)固(gu)(今山(shan)東青州),自稱(cheng)齊王,向東晉稱(cheng)臣,受封為鎮北將(jiang)軍。
元(yuan)璽四(si)年(nian)(355年(nian)),前燕(yan)攻滅石氏(shi)、冉魏的(de)勢力,開(kai)拓疆(jiang)域,成為(wei)(wei)地跨幽(you)、冀、并、平四(si)州的(de)政權(quan),掙脫東晉,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)自稱(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)(wei)帝(di)。段龕以為(wei)(wei)與慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)同出鮮卑(bei),致書慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)稱(cheng)(cheng)帝(di)之非;加之段部所據廣固,勢力漸強,已(yi)威脅(xie)前燕(yan)的(de)統治,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)遂決(jue)意發兵攻廣固。十(shi)一月,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)(jun)以慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)為(wei)(wei)大都督、撫軍(jun)將(jiang)軍(jun),尚(shang)書令(ling)陽騖為(wei)(wei)副將(jiang),率軍(jun)進(jin)攻廣固。十(shi)二月,燕(yan)軍(jun)至黃河(he)北岸(an),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)先(xian)以輕舟渡河(he),試探虛實。
元璽五年(356年)正(zheng)月(yue),慕容(rong)恪率(lv)軍(jun)(jun)渡過黃河,距廣(guang)固(gu)百余(yu)里。段(duan)龕(kan)率(lv)軍(jun)(jun)3萬人迎戰,慕容(rong)恪于淄水戰敗段(duan)龕(kan),數千名士(shi)卒投降燕軍(jun)(jun)。段(duan)龕(kan)逃回廣(guang)固(gu),閉城固(gu)守。慕容(rong)恪率(lv)燕軍(jun)(jun)在廣(guang)固(gu)城外修高墻(qiang)挖深塹圍困之。并招撫廣(guang)固(gu)四周(zhou)諸城,段(duan)龕(kan)所(suo)署(shu)徐州刺史王騰等于二月(yue)投降慕容(rong)恪。
慕容(rong)恪圍(wei)廣(guang)固(gu)七(qi)個月(yue)后,段(duan)龕難以支撐,遂(sui)派人向(xiang)東(dong)晉(jin)求援。八月(yue),東(dong)晉(jin)派徐州(zhou)刺史荀羨前往解圍(wei)。荀羨行至(zhi)(zhi)瑯琊,畏懼燕軍(jun)不進。恰逢(feng)王騰帶軍(jun)攻(gong)(gong)打鄄城(今山東(dong)鄄城),荀羨遂(sui)進攻(gong)(gong)陽都(今山東(dong)沂(yi)南),斬(zhan)王騰。不久,廣(guang)固(gu)城內路人相(xiang)食,無以為守。段(duan)龕悉眾出戰(zhan),被慕容(rong)恪在圍(wei)里擊敗,單騎逃回城中。十一月(yue),段(duan)龕計(ji)窮,只(zhi)得出降。慕容(rong)恪安(an)撫百姓,平定齊(qi)地,遷(qian)鮮卑、胡、羯三千余(yu)戶至(zhi)(zhi)薊(ji)。留慕容(rong)塵鎮廣(guang)固(gu),以尚書左丞鞠殷為東(dong)萊太(tai)守,章武太(tai)守鮮于亮為齊(qi)郡太(tai)守,率軍(jun)而還。
廣固(gu)城之(zhi)戰后,東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)泰(tai)山(shan)(shan)太(tai)守諸葛攸(you)進攻(gong)東(dong)(dong)郡(今河(he)南濮陽(yang))。慕容恪領(ling)統(tong)陽(yang)騖、慕容臧(zang)率(lv)兵進擊(ji),大敗(bai)晉(jin)軍,諸葛攸(you)退(tui)回(hui)太(tai)山(shan)(shan)(今山(shan)(shan)東(dong)(dong)泰(tai)安(an))。慕容恪乘勝(sheng)渡過黃河(he),占領(ling)河(he)南部分土地,并設(she)守宰。此后,前燕(yan)轄境迅速(su)延至黃河(he)以南,對(dui)東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)構成了威脅。
光壽三年(359年),慕容(rong)(rong)儁患病,對慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)說(shuo):朕病得這么虛弱,恐(kong)怕是好(hao)不了(le)。壽命(ming)長短(duan),都沒有什么可怨恨(hen)的了(le)!不過,現在東(dong)晉(jin)和前秦未除(chu),太子慕容(rong)(rong)暐年幼。朕擔(dan)(dan)心(xin)他應付不來,想效(xiao)法(fa)宋宣公(gong),將(jiang)皇位(wei)交給你。慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)堅決拒絕(jue),更(geng)說(shuo):“陛(bi)下(xia)若果認為臣能(neng)(neng)夠承擔(dan)(dan)安定天下(xia)的重責,難道就(jiu)沒能(neng)(neng)好(hao)好(hao)輔助少主!”慕容(rong)(rong)儁聽后(hou)十(shi)分高興。
光(guang)壽四年(nian)(360年(nian))正月,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁在鄴城(cheng)大(da)閱(yue)郡國之兵,欲(yu)派大(da)軍進(jin)攻秦、晉(jin),但病情轉危,遂召慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪、慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)鶩、慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)評(ping)及慕(mu)輿根等(deng)受(shou)遺(yi)詔輔政(zheng),旋即(ji)(ji)病卒,時年(nian)四十(shi)二歲,葬于龍陵,謚號景(jing)昭皇(huang)帝,廟(miao)號烈祖。皇(huang)太(tai)子慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐即(ji)(ji)位,年(nian)僅十(shi)一歲。二月,尊皇(huang)后可足(zu)渾氏為皇(huang)太(tai)后,以慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪太(tai)宰、錄尚書事(shi),行(xing)周公事(shi),總(zong)攝朝(chao)政(zheng)。
不過,當時作為(wei)太(tai)師輔政的慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)自恃戰功(gong)顯赫,高傲(ao)自大,看不起慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)為(wei)挑(tiao)起事端以作亂,先(xian)以可足渾(hun)太(tai)后(hou)干政來挑(tiao)撥(bo)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke),謊(huang)稱(cheng)支(zhi)持(chi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)奪位。但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)不受。吳王慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂以及皇甫真(zhen)及后(hou)都(dou)勸(quan)他誅殺(sha)(sha)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen),但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)以皇帝(di)(di)新死,國家安穩為(wei)首要,決(jue)定(ding)忍耐(nai)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)挑(tiao)撥(bo)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)不成,于是(shi)試圖離間慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐母子,想要太(tai)后(hou)誅殺(sha)(sha)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)等。新帝(di)(di)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐支(zhi)持(chi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke),勸(quan)止了母親。與此(ci)同時,前(qian)燕已經在滅(mie)冉魏(wei)后(hou)遷都(dou)鄴城,以舊都(dou)龍(long)城(今遼寧(ning)朝陽市)為(wei)留京。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)思戀遼東祖(zu)地,力勸(quan)太(tai)后(hou)和慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐建議還都(dou)龍(long)城,變相(xiang)放棄中原地區。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)知道后(hou),聯(lian)合慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)評(ping)密奏慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)罪狀(zhuang),派衛將軍(jun)傅顏(yan)誅殺(sha)(sha)了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)及其黨羽。
面對皇(huang)帝新死(si),就發生(sheng)誅殺輔政重臣的事(shi)件,國(guo)內憂慮(lv)情緒很(hen)高(gao)。慕(mu)容恪舉止如常,出(chu)入都只有一(yi)人跟從,不肯加添守衛。然后(hou)大赦天下(xia),并停發慕(mu)容儁(jun)生(sheng)前所集(ji)各路兵員,受任(ren)(ren)理政,兢兢嚴(yan)謹,與司徒慕(mu)容評共同協作,虛心(xin)待士,諮諏善道,量才授任(ren)(ren),燕政為之一(yi)新。于是,境內局勢漸(jian)穩,人心(xin)稍(shao)為安(an)定。同時,原先征集(ji)在鄴城(cheng)的各郡軍人都因(yin)為國(guo)家內部紛亂而經常逃跑,而鄴城(cheng)向南方領(ling)地的道路通訊(xun)不暢通。慕(mu)容恪命令慕(mu)容垂(chui)南鎮蠡臺(tai)(今河(he)南商丘),傅顏率軍南巡(xun)淮河(he),終令國(guo)家安(an)穩下(xia)來。
建熙六年(365年)二(er)月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)與吳(wu)王(wang)慕(mu)容(rong)垂共攻(gong)洛陽(yang)。三月(yue),克之(zhi),俘虜揚(yang)武(wu)將軍沈(shen)勁。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)惜之(zhi)為(wei)(wei)奇(qi)士欲赦(she)免,慕(mu)容(rong)虔上書(shu)說:沈(shen)勁雖為(wei)(wei)奇(qi)士,卻終不(bu)可為(wei)(wei)己所用,留之(zhi)必患。遂(sui)斬殺(sha)沈(shen)勁。
慕(mu)容恪(ke)奪取洛陽后(hou),隨即(ji)略地至崤山、澠池,關中大震,前(qian)秦天王苻堅親自(zi)到陜城進行(xing)防備。不(bu)久,慕(mu)容恪(ke)率軍撤回鄴(ye)城。
當時吳王慕容垂才能出眾(zhong),慕容恪對其(qi)非常倚重,曾多(duo)次向(xiang)燕(yan)主進行推薦。
建熙七年(366年),慕容(rong)恪病重,深(shen)慮慕容(rong)暐手中(zhong)無實權,而慕容(rong)評(ping)又多猜忌,便(bian)對慕容(rong)暐之(zhi)兄、樂安(an)王(wang)慕容(rong)臧舉薦吳王(wang)慕容(rong)垂,但(dan)是(shi)慕容(rong)臧沒(mei)有聽從慕容(rong)恪的話。
慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)親(qin)臨慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)府向他(ta)詢問后事,慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)再次向慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)推薦(jian)慕(mu)容(rong)垂(chui),說:“我聽(ting)聞,傅說舉薦(jian)士人。板筑(zhu)之(zhi)人都可(ke)以,更何況是(shi)國(guo)家(jia)的懿(yi)籓!吳王兼具文武之(zhi)才(cai),才(cai)能(neng)僅次于管仲(zhong)、蕭何。陛下如果把政務交給他(ta),國(guo)家(jia)就能(neng)獲得安定(ding)。不然,我怕二寇肯定(ding)會有窺窬(yu)之(zhi)計。”慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)言終而卒。死后,贈本官,謚號為桓。
慕容恪(ke)一生,戰(zhan)昌黎、密云,破高句麗(li)、宇(yu)文部,攻石(shi)趙(zhao)殘余,滅(mie)冉魏、段齊(qi),討(tao)呂護(hu)平(ping)野王,擊(ji)東晉下洛(luo)陽,戰(zhan)功赫赫,構筑(zhu)了(le)前(qian)燕的最大(da)版圖(tu)。同時,慕容儁死后,官拜太宰,輔佐幼主慕容暐,以謙恭寬和的姿態穩定國政,使(shi)得(de)國內相對穩定。
慕容皝(huang):“恪智勇俱濟(ji),汝其委之(zhi)。”
王猛:“慕容玄恭,信(xin)奇士(shi)也,可謂古之(zhi)遺愛矣!”
崔浩:“王猛之(zhi)經國,苻堅之(zhi)管仲也;慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)之(zhi)輔少(shao)主,慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)之(zhi)霍光也。”
張(zhang)預:“沉深有(you)(you)大度。......容貌魁杰,雄毅嚴(yan)重,每所言及(ji),輒經綸世務,.......數(shu)從皝征伐,臨機多奇(qi)策。......雖執權政(zheng)事,必諮之于評。罷朝歸(gui)第,則盡心色養,手不(bu)(bu)(bu)釋卷。.......恪為將不(bu)(bu)(bu)尚(shang)威嚴(yan),專以(yi)恩(en)信(xin)御物(wu),務于大略,不(bu)(bu)(bu)以(yi)小令(ling)勞眾。軍士有(you)(you)犯法(fa),密縱舍之,捕斬賊首以(yi)令(ling)軍。營內(nei)不(bu)(bu)(bu)整似可犯,而(er)(er)防御甚(shen)嚴(yan),終無喪敗。........恪之為將,專以(yi)恩(en)信(xin)而(er)(er)不(bu)(bu)(bu)尚(shang)威嚴(yan)是也。”
張預: “孫子(zi)曰(yue):‘輔周(zhou)則國必強。’恪(ke)在中原,桓(huan)溫以(yi)謂所憂方大。又曰(yue):‘卒(zu)未親附(fu)而罰之,則不服。’恪(ke)之為將,專以(yi)恩信(xin)而不尚(shang)威(wei)嚴是也(ye)。”
陳普:“霜(shuang)雹風沙雜亂飛,段(duan)龕(kan)地下見春(chun)歸(gui)。時來但處周公位(wei),歷舉華人百世(shi)希(xi)。”“當時人才(cai)(cai)南有(you)謝安(an),北有(you)慕容恪,西有(you)王(wang)猛。較其分(fen)數,玄(xuan)恭其賢矣,安(an)石善處轇轕之際,富貴之心(xin)薄而家世(shi)清虛,無(wu)能遠猷。王(wang)景略干將吳鉤(gou)薄于德矣。玄(xuan)恭才(cai)(cai)優(you)而心(xin)正,獨不(bu)能力主。李績終殺,沈(shen)勁為可恨。而其討段(duan)龕(kan),城下數語,天地鬼神實(shi)聞之事。”
張大齡:“慕容氏自(zi)龍驤以(yi)(yi)(yi)來(lai),世(shi)豪(hao)東夏,其(qi)子孫俱英朗雄杰,發在童孺,天之(zhi)(zhi)所(suo)興,其(qi)誰廢之(zhi)(zhi)!太(tai)原德(de)業邁於(wu)狐趙,吳王(wang)才器不(bu)(bu)下管蕭。昔舜生諸馮,東夷之(zhi)(zhi)人可以(yi)(yi)(yi)其(qi)鮮卑而(er)(er)(er)(er)少之(zhi)(zhi)?償(chang)恪(ke)而(er)(er)(er)(er)不(bu)(bu)死,更得明主事之(zhi)(zhi),與吳王(wang)垂左提右挈,驅駕(jia)才俊,混一之(zhi)(zhi)業,指顧而(er)(er)(er)(er)定矣(yi)!乃吳王(wang)力足(zu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)討評(ping),而(er)(er)(er)(er)不(bu)(bu)為首亂(luan);時足(zu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)取(qu)堅,而(er)(er)(er)(er)還其(qi)舊兵;威足(zu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)困丕(pi),而(er)(er)(er)(er)開以(yi)(yi)(yi)生路(lu),尤人所(suo)難者(zhe)。至於(wu)八十之(zhi)(zhi)齡,取(qu)西燕如拾芥,挫魏(wei)兵如發蒙(meng),真太(tai)原所(suo)謂命世(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)才也。后(hou)來(lai)亡國之(zhi)(zhi)主,猶自(zi)翹然,身在鼎俎,神色不(bu)(bu)變。蓋(gai)先世(shi)大有功(gong)德(de),故子孫蹶(jue)而(er)(er)(er)(er)復奮(fen),不(bu)(bu)若(ruo)諸胡之(zhi)(zhi)一敗涂地。予於(wu)和龍之(zhi)(zhi)君,獨(du)有取(qu)爾者(zhe)以(yi)(yi)(yi)此(ci)。太(tai)尉裕平燕之(zhi)(zhi)日(ri),欲(yu)坑廣固,得韓范諫(jian)而(er)(er)(er)(er)止。嗚(wu)呼!燕何(he)罪哉!前(qian)燕開基(ji),取(qu)之(zhi)(zhi)劉石。后(hou)燕恢復,奪(duo)之(zhi)(zhi)苻秦。燕何(he)罪哉!而(er)(er)(er)(er)戮之(zhi)(zhi)若(ruo)斯之(zhi)(zhi)慘也。太(tai)尉此(ci)舉,不(bu)(bu)惟(wei)遠愧三代(dai)吊伐之(zhi)(zhi)師,且(qie)近(jin)有怍(zuo)於(wu)玄恭景略矣(yi)。惜哉!”
《廣名(ming)將傳(chuan)》:“前燕慕容(rong)(rong)恪,深沉有略(lve)。皝授以兵(bing),從征(zheng)參酌。使(shi)鎮遼東,寇不敢作。嗣雋親之,立功不薄。俊死暐孤,復(fu)以后托。有謀中原(yuan),桓曰大錯。慕容(rong)(rong)恪存(cun),憂(you)方如昨。慕輿根誅,內外錯愕。恪獨安之,使(shi)人把(ba)捉。罷朝(chao)而歸,養親為樂。臨死薦賢,報恩急著。忠孝若(ruo)斯,才應兼(jian)學。”
王夫之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):“五(wu)胡旋(xuan)起(qi)旋(xuan)滅(mie),而(er)(er)(er)(er)中(zhong)(zhong)原之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死(si)于兵刃者不可(ke)殫計。殫中(zhong)(zhong)原之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)民于兵刃,而(er)(er)(er)(er)其(qi)旋(xuan)起(qi)者亦必(bi)旋(xuan)滅(mie)。其(qi)能(neng)有(you)人之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心而(er)(er)(er)(er)因以自(zi)全者,唯(wei)慕(mu)容恪(ke)乎(hu)!故中(zhong)(zhong)國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,一姓(xing)不再興,而(er)(er)(er)(er)慕(mu)容氏(shi)既滅(mie)而(er)(er)(er)(er)復起(qi)。恪(ke)圍段(duan)龕于廣(guang)固(gu),諸(zhu)將請(qing)亟攻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),恪(ke)曰(yue):“龕兵尚(shang)眾,未(wei)有(you)離心,盡銳攻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),殺吾士卒必(bi)多(duo)矣(yi),自(zi)有(you)事中(zhong)(zhong)原,兵不暫息,吾每念(nian)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),夜而(er)(er)(er)(er)忘寐,要在(zai)取之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),不必(bi)求功之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)速。”嗚呼!惻悱之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)言(yan),自(zi)其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)發(fa),功成而(er)(er)(er)(er)人免于死(si),恪(ke)可(ke)不謂(wei)夷中(zhong)(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)錚(zheng)錚(zheng)者乎(hu)!”
李(li)鴻章:“為國者,但問(wen)自(zi)治,而不(bu)依他人(ren)之禍福。晉(jin)人(ren)喜慕容儁之沒,豈知慕容恪之更勝。今日急(ji)務,莫先儲才(cai)(cai)。培植(zhi)人(ren)才(cai)(cai)必以學堂(tang)為根本(ben)。”
宋丹凝:“雖然慕(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)為一代名將,但其政治功(gong)績(ji)也非常大。在慕(mu)容儁死后(hou),慕(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)甘(gan)為周公,輔佐(zuo)幼主慕(mu)容暐(wei);官至太宰,虛懷待物(wu),知(zhi)人善(shan)任;整頓吏治,嚴明賞罰,謙(qian)虛謹(jin)慎,從不(bu)專斷;誅(zhu)殺叛臣慕(mu)輿根,穩(wen)定朝政。前燕政局的穩(wen)定,多半(ban)是慕(mu)容恪(ke)(ke)的功(gong)勞(lao)。”
梁軍(jun):“慕(mu)容(rong)恪的(de)(de)(de)一生,也是(shi)前(qian)(qian)(qian)燕由弱變強的(de)(de)(de)一段時間。他歷事(shi)三主(zhu),在(zai)慕(mu)容(rong)皝與慕(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)在(zai)位時,率軍(jun)南征北戰,開(kai)疆(jiang)拓土,輔(fu)佐幼主(zhu)慕(mu)容(rong)暐七年間,前(qian)(qian)(qian)燕政治空(kong)前(qian)(qian)(qian)穩(wen)定(ding),所(suo)以他在(zai)燕國所(suo)占的(de)(de)(de)重要地位是(shi)不(bu)言(yan)而喻的(de)(de)(de)。慕(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)死后,東晉(jin)認為有機(ji)可乘,桓溫(wen)則說:‘慕(mu)容(rong)恪尚存,所(suo)憂方為大耳。’在(zai)其死后,前(qian)(qian)(qian)秦、東晉(jin)先后攻(gong)打前(qian)(qian)(qian)燕,前(qian)(qian)(qian)燕也迅(xun)速滅亡,這從(cong)另一方面(mian)也反映出(chu)慕(mu)容(rong)恪對于(yu)前(qian)(qian)(qian)燕的(de)(de)(de)重要性。”
萬繩楠:“慕(mu)容恪(ke)以其驚人的戰(zhan)績(ji),被(bei)后世譽為‘十六國第一(yi)名將’。”