后(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)建武(wu)四(si)年(338年)五月,后(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)皇帝(di)石(shi)虎以燕軍違約(yue)獨(du)攻(gong)段部(bu)鮮(xian)卑(bei),得勝。又以劫(jie)掠而歸(gui)為由,發兵數(shu)十(shi)(shi)萬(wan)北伐,圍困大棘城(cheng)(今遼(liao)寧義縣)。燕趙(zhao)(zhao)兩軍相持(chi)十(shi)(shi)余日(ri),趙(zhao)(zhao)軍不能克,遂后(hou)(hou)退。慕(mu)容皝(huang)派慕(mu)容恪率(lv)2000騎兵于清(qing)晨出(chu)城(cheng)追(zhui)殺。石(shi)虎見(jian)城(cheng)內師出(chu),大驚,棄(qi)甲潰逃。慕(mu)容恪乘勝追(zhui)擊,大敗后(hou)(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)軍,斬獲三萬(wan)余級(ji)。
后(hou)趙建武四年(nian)(338年(nian))十二月,段(duan)部鮮卑首領(ling)段(duan)遼遣使向后(hou)趙請降(jiang)(jiang),中途(tu)反悔,又遣使請降(jiang)(jiang)于(yu)(yu)(yu)前(qian)燕,并與前(qian)燕合(he)謀設伏,欲(yu)消滅趙軍(jun)(jun)。時后(hou)趙皇帝石虎已(yi)派(pai)征(zheng)東(dong)將軍(jun)(jun)麻秋(qiu)、司馬陽裕等率兵3萬前(qian)去受降(jiang)(jiang)。前(qian)燕王慕(mu)容皝(huang)自統(tong)大(da)軍(jun)(jun)前(qian)往迎段(duan)遼,派(pai)慕(mu)容恪(ke)帶精騎7000埋伏于(yu)(yu)(yu)密云(yun)山。慕(mu)容恪(ke)大(da)敗(bai)麻秋(qiu)于(yu)(yu)(yu)三藏口(今(jin)河北承(cheng)德),趙軍(jun)(jun)死亡大(da)半,麻秋(qiu)步行逃脫,司馬陽裕被(bei)俘。
咸(xian)康七(qi)年(341)年十月,燕王(wang)慕容(rong)皝以(yi)慕容(rong)恪為渡遼(liao)將軍,鎮守(shou)平郭。前燕自從慕容(rong)翰逃(tao)亡,慕容(rong)仁被殺后,無人能鎮守(shou)遼(liao)東。慕容(rong)恪行至平郭,撫舊懷新(xin),屢(lv)破高(gao)句(ju)麗兵,高(gao)句(ju)麗畏(wei)之,不敢再入燕境。
建元(yuan)二年(344年)二月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)皝親自帶兵攻宇(yu)文(wen)逸豆(dou)歸,以(yi)建威(wei)將(jiang)(jiang)軍慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)翰(han)(于咸康六年回到燕國(guo))為(wei)前鋒將(jiang)(jiang)軍,劉佩為(wei)副將(jiang)(jiang);命慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)與慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)軍、慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)霸及折沖將(jiang)(jiang)軍慕(mu)輿根等率兵分三路并進(jin)。最終大破宇(yu)文(wen)軍,燕軍乘勝(sheng)追擊(ji),攻克(ke)宇(yu)文(wen)氏都城紫蒙(meng)川(今遼寧朝陽西北)。宇(yu)文(wen)逸豆(dou)歸敗逃,死于漠北,宇(yu)文(wen)氏從此散(san)亡(wang)。
永和元年(nian)(345年(nian))十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝令慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)攻打高句麗。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)攻拔南蘇(今遼寧撫順(shun)市東蘇子河與(yu)渾(hun)河合流處(chu)),派(pai)(pai)兵(bing)留守(shou)。永和二(er)年(nian)(346年(nian))正月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝派(pai)(pai)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)與(yu)世子慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁、慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)軍、慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿根及1.7萬騎兵(bing)襲(xi)擊(ji)扶(fu)余(yu)國(guo)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁坐鎮(zhen)中軍指揮(hui),而慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)則統帥諸軍冒(mao)矢石(shi)進擊(ji),攻克扶(fu)余(yu),俘扶(fu)余(yu)國(guo)王玄及部落5萬余(yu)口而還(huan)。
永和六年(350年),后趙大(da)將軍冉閔占(zhan)據鄴(ye)城,滅亡后趙。自立為(wei)帝,國(guo)號大(da)魏,史稱冉魏。
永和七年(351年)八月,慕容儁遣(qian)慕容恪攻破中山(今河(he)北定州(zhou))。隨著慕容恪攻占(zhan)中山后(hou),冉閔攻取了襄國(今河(he)北邢臺),欲圖幽州(zhou)。前燕占(zhan)領幽州(zhou)后(hou),也想繼續南(nan)進,圖據中原,一場大戰不可避免。
永和八年(nian)(352年(nian))四(si)月,冉(ran)閔(min)(min)將(jiang)與前燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)開戰。大將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)董(dong)閏(run)、車(che)騎(qi)將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)張溫苦(ku)諫冉(ran)閔(min)(min),不可同(tong)前燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)開戰。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)不納,移(yi)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)于安(an)喜(今河北定州(zhou))。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪隨即引兵而至。魏燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)兩(liang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)交戰十次,燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)兵皆敗。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)素有勇(yong)名,所(suo)部(bu)(bu)將(jiang)士精(jing)銳,燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)畏懼(ju)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪陣(zhen)前激勵將(jiang)士,指出冉(ran)閔(min)(min)有勇(yong)無謀,其軍(jun)(jun)(jun)饑疲難用,定可擊破。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)所(suo)部(bu)(bu)多步卒,欲(yu)引燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)騎(qi)兵至叢林作(zuo)戰。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪采納參軍(jun)(jun)(jun)高開之策,急(ji)派輕騎(qi)截(jie)擊之,然后佯敗誘敵至平(ping)地,并(bing)將(jiang)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)切分為(wei)三部(bu)(bu)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪自率中(zhong)軍(jun)(jun)(jun),選善射(she)者五千人,以鐵鎖(suo)連戰馬結方陣(zhen)而前,另兩(liang)部(bu)(bu)各(ge)置一側配合主(zhu)力進擊。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)恃勇(yong)輕敵,果然中(zhong)計(ji),直突燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)中(zhong)部(bu)(bu)鐵馬方陣(zhen)。燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)側翼(yi)部(bu)(bu)隊即從兩(liang)面夾(jia)擊,大敗冉(ran)閔(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)隊,斬七(qi)千余人。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)突圍(wei)東走二十余里,坐騎(qi)忽死,被燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)所(suo)俘,冉(ran)魏滅(mie)亡(wang)。
元璽元年(nian)(nian)(352年(nian)(nian)),冉閔(min)被慕(mu)容(rong)恪軍(jun)俘虜后,其子冉操投(tou)奔鎮守魯口(今(jin)河(he)北饒(rao)陽(yang)(yang))的大將王(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)。七月,王(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)自稱安(an)國王(wang)(wang),對(dui)抗前燕。八月,慕(mu)容(rong)儁遣慕(mu)容(rong)恪、太尉封(feng)奕、尚書令陽(yang)(yang)騖攻打魯口。王(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)憑借城池(chi)之險進行抵抗,并把冉操送于燕軍(jun)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪料(liao)魯口城池(chi)堅固,暫難攻克,遂(sui)將城外的莊稼盡數收(shou)割,撤回中(zhong)山(今(jin)河(he)北定州市)。十月,慕(mu)容(rong)恪屯安(an)平,積糧,修筑攻城器具,準備攻討王(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)。時中(zhong)山蘇(su)林起兵于無極,自稱天子,慕(mu)容(rong)恪率軍(jun)先攻討蘇(su)林。十月,慕(mu)容(rong)儁派廣威將軍(jun)慕(mu)輿根幫(bang)助(zhu)慕(mu)容(rong)恪,斬(zhan)蘇(su)林。不久,王(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)為其將秦(qin)興殺(sha)死,呂護又殺(sha)秦(qin)興,繼承安(an)國王(wang)(wang)。
元璽三年(nian)(354年(nian))二(er)月,慕容(rong)恪再次發兵圍魯口,次月克之(zhi)。呂護(hu)逃往野王(今河(he)南(nan)沁陽)。四月,慕容(rong)儁以(yi)慕容(rong)恪為(wei)大司馬(ma)、侍中、大都督、錄尚書事,封太原王。
建熙二(er)年(361年)二(er)月,寧南將軍呂護,鎮守野王(今(jin)(jin)河(he)南沁陽(yang)),暗中投靠東(dong)(dong)晉(jin),東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)以呂護為前將軍、冀州刺史。呂護欲引東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)軍偷襲燕都鄴城(cheng)(今(jin)(jin)河(he)北臨漳(zhang)),未及行動,事情敗露。
三(san)月,燕王(wang)遣慕容恪(ke)統軍(jun)前(qian)往野王(wang)平叛。慕容恪(ke)率軍(jun)5萬,冠軍(jun)將軍(jun)皇甫真領兵(bing)1萬,進至野王(wang)城外(wai),呂護閉(bi)城固守。慕容恪(ke)遂于野王(wang)城外(wai)修筑(zhu)深溝(gou)高壘,切斷守軍(jun)外(wai)援,以(yi)待機擊之。
七月,呂(lv)護(hu)軍被(bei)圍(wei)數月,外無(wu)救兵,內(nei)無(wu)糧草。呂(lv)護(hu)被(bei)迫令部將(jiang)張(zhang)興率領(ling)(ling)7000人馬(ma)出(chu)城迎戰,張(zhang)興被(bei)傅(fu)顏(yan)斬殺。當(dang)夜,呂(lv)護(hu)以黃甫真營陣為突(tu)圍(wei)口,率城中銳卒(zu)試(shi)圖突(tu)圍(wei)。皇甫真事先已做好防(fang)備,慕容恪(ke)領(ling)(ling)兵從側翼出(chu)擊(ji),呂(lv)護(hu)所部死(si)傷慘重(zhong),呂(lv)護(hu)單騎逃往滎(ying)陽(今河南滎(ying)陽),燕軍攻克野(ye)王,結束野(ye)王之戰。
永(yong)和六(liu)年(350年)前后(hou),原段(duan)(duan)氏鮮(xian)卑首領段(duan)(duan)蘭之(zhi)子段(duan)(duan)龕乘著后(hou)趙內亂(luan)、冉(ran)魏新立之(zhi)機,統帥部眾南(nan)遷陳留(今(jin)河(he)南(nan)開封)。七月,東(dong)遷廣固(gu)(今(jin)山(shan)東(dong)青州),自(zi)稱(cheng)齊王(wang),向東(dong)晉稱(cheng)臣,受封為鎮北將軍。
元璽四(si)年(355年),前燕(yan)攻(gong)滅石氏、冉魏的勢力,開(kai)拓疆域,成為(wei)地跨(kua)幽、冀、并、平四(si)州(zhou)的政權,掙脫(tuo)東晉,慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)(jun)自稱為(wei)帝。段(duan)龕以為(wei)與慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)(jun)同出(chu)鮮(xian)卑,致書慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)(jun)稱帝之(zhi)(zhi)非;加之(zhi)(zhi)段(duan)部所據(ju)廣固(gu)(gu),勢力漸強,已威脅前燕(yan)的統治,慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)(jun)遂決(jue)意(yi)發(fa)兵攻(gong)廣固(gu)(gu)。十一月(yue)(yue),慕(mu)容儁(jun)(jun)(jun)以慕(mu)容恪為(wei)大都督、撫軍將軍,尚(shang)書令陽(yang)騖為(wei)副將,率軍進攻(gong)廣固(gu)(gu)。十二月(yue)(yue),燕(yan)軍至黃河北(bei)岸,慕(mu)容恪先以輕(qing)舟渡(du)河,試探虛實。
元璽五(wu)年(nian)(356年(nian))正月,慕容恪率軍(jun)渡過(guo)黃河,距(ju)廣固(gu)百余里。段龕(kan)率軍(jun)3萬人迎戰,慕容恪于淄水戰敗(bai)段龕(kan),數千名士卒投(tou)降燕軍(jun)。段龕(kan)逃回廣固(gu),閉城(cheng)固(gu)守。慕容恪率燕軍(jun)在(zai)廣固(gu)城(cheng)外修(xiu)高(gao)墻挖深(shen)塹圍困之(zhi)。并招撫廣固(gu)四(si)周諸城(cheng),段龕(kan)所署徐州刺史王(wang)騰等于二月投(tou)降慕容恪。
慕(mu)容恪(ke)圍(wei)廣(guang)固(gu)七個月后,段龕難以支撐,遂派(pai)人向東晉求援。八(ba)月,東晉派(pai)徐州刺史荀羨前往解圍(wei)。荀羨行(xing)至(zhi)瑯琊,畏懼燕軍(jun)不進。恰(qia)逢(feng)王騰帶軍(jun)攻打(da)鄄城(今山東鄄城),荀羨遂進攻陽都(dou)(今山東沂南),斬(zhan)王騰。不久,廣(guang)固(gu)城內路(lu)人相食,無以為守(shou)。段龕悉(xi)眾出(chu)戰,被慕(mu)容恪(ke)在圍(wei)里擊(ji)敗,單騎逃回城中。十一(yi)月,段龕計窮(qiong),只得出(chu)降(jiang)。慕(mu)容恪(ke)安撫百姓(xing),平定齊地,遷鮮(xian)卑、胡、羯三千(qian)余(yu)戶(hu)至(zhi)薊。留慕(mu)容塵鎮廣(guang)固(gu),以尚書左(zuo)丞(cheng)鞠殷為東萊太(tai)守(shou),章武太(tai)守(shou)鮮(xian)于(yu)亮(liang)為齊郡(jun)太(tai)守(shou),率軍(jun)而還。
廣固城之戰后(hou),東晉泰山(shan)太(tai)(tai)守諸葛攸進攻(gong)東郡(jun)(今(jin)河南濮陽(yang))。慕容恪(ke)領統陽(yang)騖、慕容臧率兵進擊,大敗晉軍,諸葛攸退回太(tai)(tai)山(shan)(今(jin)山(shan)東泰安(an))。慕容恪(ke)乘勝渡過黃河,占領河南部分土地(di),并設守宰。此(ci)后(hou),前(qian)燕轄境迅(xun)速延至(zhi)黃河以南,對東晉構成了(le)威脅。
光壽三年(359年),慕(mu)容儁(jun)患病(bing),對慕(mu)容恪說:朕病(bing)得這(zhe)么(me)虛(xu)弱,恐怕(pa)是好不(bu)了。壽命(ming)長短,都沒有什么(me)可怨恨的(de)了!不(bu)過,現在東晉和前秦未(wei)除,太子慕(mu)容暐年幼。朕擔(dan)心他應付不(bu)來(lai),想效法宋宣(xuan)公,將皇位(wei)交給你。慕(mu)容恪堅決拒絕,更說:“陛下若果認為臣能夠承(cheng)擔(dan)安定天(tian)下的(de)重責,難(nan)道(dao)就沒能好好輔助(zhu)少主!”慕(mu)容儁(jun)聽后十分高興。
光壽四(si)年(360年)正月,慕(mu)(mu)容儁在鄴城大閱郡國之兵,欲(yu)派(pai)大軍進攻(gong)秦、晉,但病情轉危,遂召慕(mu)(mu)容恪、慕(mu)(mu)容鶩、慕(mu)(mu)容評及慕(mu)(mu)輿根(gen)等受遺詔輔政,旋即病卒,時年四(si)十二(er)歲,葬(zang)于龍陵,謚號景昭皇帝,廟(miao)號烈祖(zu)。皇太子慕(mu)(mu)容暐(wei)即位,年僅十一(yi)歲。二(er)月,尊皇后可(ke)足渾氏為皇太后,以慕(mu)(mu)容恪太宰、錄尚書事,行周公事,總攝朝政。
不過(guo),當時作為(wei)太師輔政的慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)自(zi)恃戰功顯赫,高傲自(zi)大(da),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)(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)為(wei)挑起事端(duan)以作亂,先以可足渾(hun)太后(hou)(hou)干政來挑撥(bo)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke),謊稱支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)奪位。但(dan)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)不受。吳王(wang)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂以及皇(huang)甫真及后(hou)(hou)都(dou)勸(quan)他(ta)誅殺慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen),但(dan)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)以皇(huang)帝新死,國家安穩為(wei)首要,決(jue)定忍耐。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)挑撥(bo)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)不成,于是試圖離間(jian)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)母子,想要太后(hou)(hou)誅殺慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)等。新帝慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke),勸(quan)止(zhi)了母親。與(yu)此同時,前燕已經在滅冉魏后(hou)(hou)遷都(dou)鄴城(cheng),以舊(jiu)都(dou)龍(long)城(cheng)(今遼(liao)寧朝陽市)為(wei)留京(jing)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)思戀遼(liao)東祖(zu)地,力勸(quan)太后(hou)(hou)和(he)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)建(jian)議還都(dou)龍(long)城(cheng),變相(xiang)放(fang)棄中原地區(qu)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)知(zhi)道后(hou)(hou),聯(lian)合(he)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)評密奏慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)罪狀,派衛將(jiang)軍傅(fu)顏誅殺了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)(yu)根(gen)(gen)及其黨羽(yu)。
面對(dui)皇帝新死(si),就發生(sheng)誅殺輔政重臣的事件,國(guo)內憂(you)慮情緒很高。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪舉止如常(chang),出入(ru)都(dou)只有(you)一人跟從(cong),不(bu)肯(ken)加添守衛。然(ran)后大赦天下,并(bing)停(ting)發慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁生(sheng)前所集各路兵(bing)員(yuan),受(shou)任理政,兢兢嚴謹,與(yu)司徒慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)評共同協作,虛(xu)心(xin)待士,諮諏善道(dao),量才授任,燕政為(wei)之一新。于是,境內局勢(shi)漸(jian)穩(wen),人心(xin)稍為(wei)安(an)定(ding)。同時,原先(xian)征集在鄴(ye)城(cheng)的各郡軍人都(dou)因為(wei)國(guo)家內部紛(fen)亂而經常(chang)逃跑,而鄴(ye)城(cheng)向南(nan)方領地的道(dao)路通(tong)訊不(bu)暢通(tong)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪命令慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)垂南(nan)鎮蠡臺(今河南(nan)商丘),傅(fu)顏率軍南(nan)巡(xun)淮河,終(zhong)令國(guo)家安(an)穩(wen)下來。
建熙六年(nian)(365年(nian))二月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)與吳王(wang)慕(mu)容(rong)垂共攻洛陽(yang)。三月(yue),克之(zhi),俘虜揚武將軍沈(shen)勁(jing)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)惜之(zhi)為奇(qi)士(shi)欲赦免,慕(mu)容(rong)虔上書說:沈(shen)勁(jing)雖(sui)為奇(qi)士(shi),卻(que)終不(bu)可為己所用,留之(zhi)必患。遂斬(zhan)殺(sha)沈(shen)勁(jing)。
慕(mu)容(rong)恪奪取(qu)洛陽后(hou),隨即略(lve)地至崤(yao)山、澠池(chi),關中大(da)震(zhen),前秦天(tian)王(wang)苻堅親自到陜城進行防備。不(bu)久,慕(mu)容(rong)恪率軍(jun)撤回(hui)鄴城。
當時吳王慕(mu)容垂(chui)才(cai)能出眾,慕(mu)容恪對其非常倚重,曾多次向燕主進行推薦。
建熙七年(nian)(366年(nian)),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)病重,深慮慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)手中無實(shi)權,而慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)評又多(duo)猜忌,便對慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)之(zhi)兄、樂安王(wang)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)臧(zang)舉薦吳(wu)王(wang)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂,但是慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)臧(zang)沒(mei)有聽(ting)從慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)的(de)話。
慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)親臨慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)府向(xiang)他詢問(wen)后(hou)事,慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)再次(ci)向(xiang)慕(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)推薦慕(mu)容(rong)垂,說:“我(wo)聽聞,傅說舉薦士(shi)人。板筑(zhu)之(zhi)人都可(ke)以,更何(he)況是國(guo)家的懿籓!吳(wu)王兼(jian)具文武之(zhi)才,才能(neng)僅次(ci)于(yu)管仲、蕭何(he)。陛下如果(guo)把政務交給他,國(guo)家就(jiu)能(neng)獲得安(an)定(ding)。不然,我(wo)怕二寇肯定(ding)會有窺窬之(zhi)計(ji)。”慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)言終而卒。死后(hou),贈(zeng)本官,謚號為桓。
慕(mu)容恪一生(sheng),戰昌黎、密云,破高句麗(li)、宇文部,攻(gong)石趙殘余,滅冉魏、段齊,討呂護平野王,擊(ji)東晉(jin)下洛陽,戰功赫赫,構筑了前燕(yan)的(de)最大(da)版圖。同時,慕(mu)容儁死后,官拜太宰,輔佐幼主(zhu)慕(mu)容暐(wei),以謙(qian)恭(gong)寬和的(de)姿態穩(wen)定國(guo)政,使得國(guo)內(nei)相對穩(wen)定。
慕容皝(huang):“恪智(zhi)勇俱(ju)濟,汝其委之。”
王猛:“慕(mu)容玄恭,信奇士也,可謂(wei)古(gu)之遺愛矣!”
崔浩(hao):“王猛之(zhi)經國(guo),苻(fu)堅之(zhi)管仲也(ye);慕容恪(ke)之(zhi)輔少主(zhu),慕容暐之(zhi)霍光(guang)也(ye)。”
張預(yu):“沉深有大度。......容貌魁(kui)杰(jie),雄毅(yi)嚴(yan)重,每所言及,輒經綸(lun)世務(wu),.......數從皝征伐,臨(lin)機多(duo)奇(qi)策。......雖執權政事,必諮(zi)之于(yu)(yu)評(ping)。罷朝(chao)歸第(di),則盡心色養,手不釋(shi)卷(juan)。.......恪為(wei)將(jiang)不尚威嚴(yan),專以(yi)恩(en)信御物,務(wu)于(yu)(yu)大略,不以(yi)小(xiao)令勞眾。軍士有犯法,密(mi)縱(zong)舍之,捕斬賊首以(yi)令軍。營內不整似可犯,而(er)防御甚(shen)嚴(yan),終無(wu)喪(sang)敗。........恪之為(wei)將(jiang),專以(yi)恩(en)信而(er)不尚威嚴(yan)是(shi)也。”
張預: “孫(sun)子曰(yue):‘輔周則國必強。’恪在(zai)中(zhong)原,桓溫以謂所憂(you)方大。又(you)曰(yue):‘卒(zu)未親附而罰之,則不服。’恪之為將,專以恩信而不尚(shang)威嚴(yan)是也。”
陳普:“霜雹風沙雜亂(luan)飛,段(duan)龕(kan)地下(xia)見春歸(gui)。時(shi)來(lai)但處周(zhou)公(gong)位,歷舉華(hua)人百世希。”“當時(shi)人才(cai)南有(you)謝安,北有(you)慕容恪,西有(you)王猛。較其(qi)分數(shu)(shu),玄恭其(qi)賢矣,安石善(shan)處轇轕(ge)之際,富貴之心(xin)薄(bo)而(er)(er)家世清虛,無能遠猷。王景略干將吳鉤薄(bo)于德矣。玄恭才(cai)優而(er)(er)心(xin)正(zheng),獨(du)不能力主。李績終殺,沈勁為可恨(hen)。而(er)(er)其(qi)討(tao)段(duan)龕(kan),城(cheng)下(xia)數(shu)(shu)語,天地鬼神實聞之事。”
張大齡(ling):“慕容氏自龍(long)驤以(yi)來,世(shi)(shi)(shi)豪東夏(xia),其子孫俱(ju)英朗雄(xiong)杰,發(fa)在童孺,天之(zhi)(zhi)所(suo)(suo)興,其誰(shui)廢之(zhi)(zhi)!太(tai)原德業邁於狐趙,吳(wu)王(wang)才(cai)器不下管蕭(xiao)。昔(xi)舜(shun)生諸(zhu)馮,東夷(yi)之(zhi)(zhi)人可以(yi)其鮮卑而(er)少(shao)之(zhi)(zhi)?償恪而(er)不死,更得明(ming)主(zhu)事(shi)之(zhi)(zhi),與吳(wu)王(wang)垂(chui)左提(ti)右挈,驅駕才(cai)俊,混一之(zhi)(zhi)業,指顧(gu)而(er)定矣!乃吳(wu)王(wang)力足以(yi)討評,而(er)不為首亂(luan);時足以(yi)取(qu)堅,而(er)還(huan)其舊兵;威足以(yi)困丕,而(er)開以(yi)生路(lu),尤人所(suo)(suo)難者(zhe)。至於八十(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)齡(ling),取(qu)西燕如拾芥,挫魏兵如發(fa)蒙,真太(tai)原所(suo)(suo)謂命世(shi)(shi)(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)才(cai)也(ye)(ye)。后來亡國之(zhi)(zhi)主(zhu),猶(you)自翹然,身在鼎俎,神色不變(bian)。蓋先世(shi)(shi)(shi)大有(you)功(gong)德,故子孫蹶(jue)而(er)復(fu)奮,不若(ruo)諸(zhu)胡(hu)之(zhi)(zhi)一敗(bai)涂地。予於和龍(long)之(zhi)(zhi)君(jun),獨有(you)取(qu)爾者(zhe)以(yi)此。太(tai)尉(wei)裕平燕之(zhi)(zhi)日(ri),欲坑廣固,得韓范諫而(er)止。嗚(wu)呼!燕何(he)罪哉(zai)!前燕開基,取(qu)之(zhi)(zhi)劉石。后燕恢(hui)復(fu),奪之(zhi)(zhi)苻秦。燕何(he)罪哉(zai)!而(er)戮之(zhi)(zhi)若(ruo)斯之(zhi)(zhi)慘也(ye)(ye)。太(tai)尉(wei)此舉,不惟遠愧三代吊伐之(zhi)(zhi)師(shi),且近有(you)怍於玄(xuan)恭景略矣。惜哉(zai)!”
《廣名將傳(chuan)》:“前燕慕容恪,深沉有略。皝授以兵,從征參酌。使鎮(zhen)遼東,寇不(bu)敢作。嗣雋親(qin)之,立功(gong)不(bu)薄(bo)。俊死(si)暐孤,復(fu)以后托。有謀中(zhong)原(yuan),桓曰(yue)大錯(cuo)(cuo)。慕容恪存,憂方如(ru)昨。慕輿根誅(zhu),內(nei)外錯(cuo)(cuo)愕。恪獨安之,使人把(ba)捉。罷朝而歸,養(yang)親(qin)為(wei)樂。臨死(si)薦(jian)賢,報(bao)恩急(ji)著。忠(zhong)孝若(ruo)斯,才應兼(jian)學。”
王夫之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):“五胡旋起旋滅(mie),而(er)(er)中(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死(si)于(yu)(yu)兵(bing)(bing)刃者不(bu)可殫計。殫中(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)民于(yu)(yu)兵(bing)(bing)刃,而(er)(er)其旋起者亦必(bi)旋滅(mie)。其能有人之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)(xin)而(er)(er)因以(yi)自全者,唯慕(mu)(mu)容恪(ke)乎!故中(zhong)國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,一姓不(bu)再興(xing),而(er)(er)慕(mu)(mu)容氏既滅(mie)而(er)(er)復起。恪(ke)圍段(duan)龕于(yu)(yu)廣固,諸將請(qing)亟攻(gong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),恪(ke)曰:“龕兵(bing)(bing)尚眾(zhong),未有離(li)心(xin)(xin),盡銳攻(gong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),殺吾士卒必(bi)多矣,自有事中(zhong)原(yuan),兵(bing)(bing)不(bu)暫息(xi),吾每(mei)念之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),夜(ye)而(er)(er)忘(wang)寐,要(yao)在(zai)取(qu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),不(bu)必(bi)求功(gong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)速。”嗚呼!惻(ce)悱之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)言,自其中(zhong)發,功(gong)成而(er)(er)人免于(yu)(yu)死(si),恪(ke)可不(bu)謂(wei)夷中(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)錚錚者乎!”
李鴻(hong)章:“為國者,但問自治,而(er)不依(yi)他人之禍福。晉人喜(xi)慕(mu)容儁之沒,豈知慕(mu)容恪之更(geng)勝。今日急務,莫(mo)先儲(chu)才(cai)。培(pei)植(zhi)人才(cai)必以(yi)學堂為根本。”
宋丹凝:“雖然慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪為一代(dai)名將,但其政(zheng)(zheng)治功績也非常大。在慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁死后,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪甘為周公,輔佐幼主(zhu)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei);官至(zhi)太宰,虛(xu)懷待(dai)物,知人善任;整頓吏治,嚴(yan)明賞罰,謙(qian)虛(xu)謹慎,從(cong)不專斷;誅(zhu)殺(sha)叛臣慕(mu)(mu)輿根,穩定朝政(zheng)(zheng)。前(qian)燕政(zheng)(zheng)局的穩定,多半是慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪的功勞。”
梁軍:“慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)的一(yi)(yi)生,也(ye)是前(qian)燕(yan)由弱變強的一(yi)(yi)段(duan)時間。他(ta)歷事(shi)三主,在慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)皝與慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁在位(wei)時,率軍南征北(bei)戰,開疆拓土(tu),輔佐幼主慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐七(qi)年(nian)間,前(qian)燕(yan)政(zheng)治空(kong)前(qian)穩定,所(suo)以他(ta)在燕(yan)國所(suo)占的重(zhong)要(yao)地位(wei)是不言而喻(yu)的。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)儁死后,東(dong)晉認為有(you)機可乘,桓(huan)溫則說(shuo):‘慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)尚存,所(suo)憂(you)方(fang)為大耳(er)。’在其死后,前(qian)秦(qin)、東(dong)晉先后攻打前(qian)燕(yan),前(qian)燕(yan)也(ye)迅速(su)滅亡,這從另一(yi)(yi)方(fang)面也(ye)反映出慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)對于前(qian)燕(yan)的重(zhong)要(yao)性。”
萬繩楠:“慕容恪以其驚人(ren)的戰績,被后世(shi)譽為‘十六國第(di)一名將’。”