歸順劉秀
耿(geng)弇的父(fu)親耿(geng)況,曾與(yu)王(wang)莽從弟王(wang)伋同學(xue),后為朔調連率(即上谷太守)。耿(geng)弇少年(nian)時期(qi)以勤奮好學(xue)著稱。常見郡中(zhong)歲終舉行郡試(shi),講武練兵(bing),由衷(zhong)愛好,因而學(xue)習騎(qi)射,喜好兵(bing)法。
更始(shi)(shi)元年(nian)(23),劉(liu)玄(xuan)建立更始(shi)(shi)政權,派遣將領占據各地,其(qi)中(zhong)有(you)人(ren)憑借權勢撤換了一些郡(jun)縣的(de)(de)太守縣令。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)況因是王(wang)(wang)莽任命的(de)(de)官員(yuan),心(xin)中(zhong)非常不安(an),命年(nian)方二十一歲(sui)的(de)(de)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)去朝(chao)見(jian)(jian)(jian)劉(liu)玄(xuan),貢(gong)獻方物,以(yi)圖鞏(gong)固自己(ji)的(de)(de)地位。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)從上谷南(nan)行至宋(song)子(zi)縣,適逢王(wang)(wang)郎自稱漢成帝之子(zi)劉(liu)子(zi)輿,在邯鄲(dan)起事。隨從耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)的(de)(de)上谷郡(jun)吏孫(sun)倉、衛包信以(yi)為(wei)真(zhen),遂(sui)投奔王(wang)(wang)郎。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)因長安(an)道(dao)路阻隔(ge),聽說(shuo)更始(shi)(shi)大(da)司馬(ma)劉(liu)秀(xiu)在盧奴,乃北上晉(jin)見(jian)(jian)(jian),被任命為(wei)門下吏。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)請求(qiu)回上谷發(fa)兵攻(gong)取邯鄲(dan),劉(liu)秀(xiu)笑道(dao):“小小年(nian)紀竟(jing)有(you)大(da)志(zhi)啊!”因此(ci)數次召(zhao)見(jian)(jian)(jian)他(ta)并加(jia)恩慰。
不久,劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)北至薊城。后來(lai)(lai),劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)聽(ting)說邯鄲(dan)派(pai)兵(bing)來(lai)(lai)薊,欲要(yao)南下(xia),召集官(guan)屬商議。耿弇(yan)道:“漁陽太守彭寵,是(shi)您的(de)(de)同鄉;上谷太守,是(shi)我(wo)的(de)(de)父親(qin)。發動這兩(liang)郡人(ren)馬(ma),有萬騎之眾(zhong),邯鄲(dan)是(shi)容(rong)易奪取的(de)(de)。”劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)官(guan)屬都不愿北行,劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)卻指著耿弇(yan)道:“這是(shi)我(wo)的(de)(de)北道主人(ren)。”恰巧這時薊城騷亂,劉(liu)(liu)(liu)秀(xiu)匆忙南下(xia),官(guan)屬各自分散。
平定河北
更(geng)始二(er)年(24),耿(geng)(geng)弇回到昌平,勸說父親耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)歸附劉(liu)秀(xiu)。耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)派寇恂(xun)前(qian)往漁(yu)陽(yang),約同漁(yu)陽(yang)太守彭寵(chong)發(fa)兵支持劉(liu)秀(xiu),二(er)郡各發(fa)騎兵二(er)千、步(bu)兵一(yi)千。于是(shi),耿(geng)(geng)弇、寇恂(xun)、景(jing)丹率(lv)上谷兵與吳(wu)漢所(suo)(suo)率(lv)漁(yu)陽(yang)兵會師南下(xia)(xia),沿途擊斬王(wang)郎(lang)的(de)大將、九卿、校尉以下(xia)(xia)四百余人,攻取(qu)涿(zhuo)郡、中(zhong)山、巨鹿、清河、河間所(suo)(suo)屬(shu)二(er)十二(er)縣,終于在廣阿追上了劉(liu)秀(xiu)。這時,劉(liu)秀(xiu)正在進攻王(wang)郎(lang),見二(er)郡兵馬前(qian)來非常高興,封(feng)耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)為(wei)大將軍(jun)、歸義侯,耿(geng)(geng)弇、吳(wu)漢等人皆為(wei)偏將軍(jun)。此后,耿(geng)(geng)弇等人隨劉(liu)秀(xiu)攻克邯鄲。
劉(liu)玄見劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)聲威日盛,對他產生疑(yi)忌,于(yu)(yu)是(shi)遣使(shi)者立其為(wei)(wei)蕭(xiao)王(wang)(wang),令他罷兵(bing)(bing)率領部下將士(shi)(shi)回長安,又(you)派(pai)遣苗曾為(wei)(wei)幽州(zhou)牧,韋順為(wei)(wei)上谷太守(shou),蔡充為(wei)(wei)漁陽(yang)太守(shou),企圖瓦解劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)在(zai)河北(bei)的(de)勢(shi)力。當(dang)時劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)居住于(yu)(yu)邯鄲宮溫明殿,耿弇前至床前道:“今(jin)更(geng)(geng)始(shi)失政,君臣淫(yin)亂,諸將在(zai)京畿之內擅作威福,王(wang)(wang)公貴戚(qi)們在(zai)京都縱橫暴虐。天子之命,出不(bu)(bu)(bu)了(le)城門,下面(mian)的(de)州(zhou)牧郡守(shou),動(dong)不(bu)(bu)(bu)動(dong)就被遷徙更(geng)(geng)換(huan),百(bai)姓(xing)不(bu)(bu)(bu)知所(suo)從,士(shi)(shi)民(min)莫敢自安。虜掠財物,劫掠婦女,懷有(you)(you)金玉的(de)大富顯貴,沒有(you)(you)能生還的(de)。平(ping)民(min)百(bai)姓(xing)捶胸(xiong)頓足,反而更(geng)(geng)加思(si)念王(wang)(wang)莽。又(you)有(you)(you)銅馬、赤眉(mei)等(deng)起義軍(jun),擁(yong)眾數十百(bai)萬(wan),更(geng)(geng)始(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能剿滅。更(geng)(geng)始(shi)的(de)失敗為(wei)(wei)期不(bu)(bu)(bu)遠。您首舉義旗于(yu)(yu)南陽(yang),破百(bai)萬(wan)之軍(jun);今(jin)平(ping)定河北(bei),據有(you)(you)天府(fu)之地。以大義討伐,發出號令,群起響應,天下只要(yao)傳檄就可(ke)平(ping)定。天下是(shi)最(zui)為(wei)(wei)重要(yao)的(de),不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)讓外姓(xing)人(ren)得到。聽說有(you)(you)使(shi)者從西(xi)方來,要(yao)你罷兵(bing)(bing),千(qian)萬(wan)別聽。今(jin)官吏士(shi)(shi)卒死亡的(de)多,我愿回幽州(zhou)去,增發精兵(bing)(bing),以成(cheng)大計。”
劉秀聽(ting)了十(shi)分高興,拜耿(geng)弇(yan)為大將(jiang)軍(jun),令他與(yu)(yu)吳漢(han)(han)北(bei)(bei)上征發幽州十(shi)郡(jun)兵馬。耿(geng)弇(yan)到(dao)上谷,斬殺韋順、蔡充,吳漢(han)(han)也殺掉苗曾。不(bu)久,耿(geng)弇(yan)率幽州兵南下,隨劉秀轉戰河北(bei)(bei),擊破銅(tong)馬、高湖、青(qing)犢、赤眉、尤來(lai)、五(wu)幡、大槍等各路農(nong)民軍(jun),耿(geng)弇(yan)經常率精(jing)騎(qi)為前鋒,屢立(li)戰功。劉秀回薊之后(hou),耿(geng)弇(yan)與(yu)(yu)吳漢(han)(han)、景丹(dan)、蓋延、朱祐、邳彤、耿(geng)純、劉植、岑(cen)彭、祭遵(zun)、王(wang)霸、陳俊、堅鐔、馬武十(shi)三(san)將(jiang)軍(jun)繼續追擊農(nong)民軍(jun)殘部(bu),在潞東、平(ping)谷,連(lian)續重創敵(di)軍(jun),斬首(shou)一(yi)萬三(san)千余級,最后(hou)一(yi)直追到(dao)右北(bei)(bei)平(ping)郡(jun)的(de)無(wu)終縣(xian)(今天(tian)津薊縣(xian))、土(tu)垠縣(xian)(今河北(bei)(bei)豐潤(run)縣(xian))、俊靡(mi)(今河北(bei)(bei)遵(zun)化市),將(jiang)農(nong)民軍(jun)殘部(bu)消滅得(de)干干凈(jing)凈(jing)。
橫掃齊魯
建(jian)(jian)武元年(nian)(25),劉秀(xiu)(xiu)稱(cheng)帝。耿(geng)弇(yan)拜建(jian)(jian)威大(da)將(jiang)軍(jun),與(yu)(yu)景(jing)丹、陳俊(jun)攻(gong)破厭(yan)新賊。建(jian)(jian)武二年(nian)(26),耿(geng)弇(yan)封好畤侯(hou),食邑兩(liang)縣。建(jian)(jian)武三年(nian)(27),延(yan)(yan)(yan)岑自漢中出武關,侵擾南(nan)陽(yang)(yang)各縣,攻(gong)破數(shu)(shu)城。耿(geng)弇(yan)率軍(jun)與(yu)(yu)延(yan)(yan)(yan)岑大(da)戰于穰縣,大(da)敗敵軍(jun),斬首三千(qian)余級、俘獲(huo)(huo)(huo)(huo)五(wu)千(qian)余人,繳獲(huo)(huo)(huo)(huo)印綬三百。延(yan)(yan)(yan)岑率數(shu)(shu)騎逃奔東(dong)陽(yang)(yang),與(yu)(yu)秦豐(feng)合兵一(yi)處。此時(shi),彭(peng)寵攻(gong)陷薊城,自稱(cheng)燕王(wang),涿郡太(tai)守張(zhang)豐(feng)起兵響應。耿(geng)弇(yan)擊敗延(yan)(yan)(yan)岑后,隨(sui)劉秀(xiu)(xiu)至舂(chong)陵,請求“定彭(peng)寵于漁(yu)陽(yang)(yang),取張(zhang)豐(feng)于涿郡,還(huan)收富平(ping)、獲(huo)(huo)(huo)(huo)索,東(dong)攻(gong)張(zhang)步(bu),以平(ping)齊地”。劉秀(xiu)(xiu)甚為嘉許。建(jian)(jian)武四(si)年(nian)(28),劉秀(xiu)(xiu)命耿(geng)弇(yan)進(jin)攻(gong)漁(yu)陽(yang)(yang)。耿(geng)弇(yan)因父(fu)親耿(geng)況(kuang)(kuang)曾(ceng)與(yu)(yu)彭(peng)寵有交(jiao)情,又沒有家屬留在洛陽(yang)(yang),恐怕(pa)引起疑心,上書(shu)請求回還(huan)洛陽(yang)(yang)。劉秀(xiu)(xiu)下詔要(yao)他放心,并命他與(yu)(yu)王(wang)常一(yi)起屯兵涿郡。耿(geng)況(kuang)(kuang)聞知命耿(geng)國到洛陽(yang)(yang)侍(shi)候天子,以表忠(zhong)心。劉秀(xiu)(xiu)進(jin)封耿(geng)況(kuang)(kuang)為隃麋(mi)侯(hou),命耿(geng)弇(yan)與(yu)(yu)建(jian)(jian)義(yi)大(da)將(jiang)軍(jun)朱祐、漢忠(zhong)將(jiang)軍(jun)王(wang)常等(deng)進(jin)攻(gong)望都、故(gu)安等(deng)地十余營壘(lei),都攻(gong)破了。建(jian)(jian)武五(wu)年(nian)(29),耿(geng)弇(yan)與(yu)(yu)大(da)司馬吳漢迫(po)降平(ping)原(yuan)地區的富平(ping)、獲(huo)(huo)(huo)(huo)索兩(liang)支農民軍(jun)。劉秀(xiu)(xiu)遂命耿(geng)弇(yan)進(jin)討張(zhang)步(bu)。
耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)收(shou)集降兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)和部曲、任命官吏,率騎(qi)都尉劉歆、太(tai)(tai)山(shan)(shan)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)陳俊率兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)東進,從朝(chao)陽橋渡河(he)。張(zhang)步得(de)知,派大(da)將(jiang)軍費(fei)邑屯軍歷(li)下,又(you)(you)(you)分兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)屯祝阿,又(you)(you)(you)在(zai)太(tai)(tai)山(shan)(shan)鐘城(cheng)列數十座軍營待耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)來攻。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)渡過(guo)黃河(he)后(hou)先攻取(qu)祝阿,圍(wei)城(cheng)時故意留一(yi)角,使祝阿人逃(tao)奔鐘城(cheng)。鐘城(cheng)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)民(min)聞祝阿失守(shou)(shou),紛紛逃(tao)奔,于是漢軍不戰而取(qu)得(de)了鐘城(cheng)要塞。費(fei)邑又(you)(you)(you)派其弟費(fei)敢把(ba)守(shou)(shou)要隘巨里(li)(地名)。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)令(ling)軍中修(xiu)理攻具,揚言(yan)三(san)日后(hou)攻巨里(li),引誘費(fei)邑前(qian)來救援。費(fei)邑果然統率三(san)萬精(jing)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)前(qian)來,耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)留三(san)千人圍(wei)巨里(li),自率精(jing)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)埋伏山(shan)(shan)坡兩側,當費(fei)邑兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)到,居(ju)高臨下沖潰敵軍,斬殺(sha)費(fei)邑,把(ba)費(fei)邑的首(shou)級向巨里(li)城(cheng)守(shou)(shou)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)展示,城(cheng)中守(shou)(shou)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)驚懼,費(fei)敢率眾逃(tao)歸張(zhang)步。然后(hou),耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)縱兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)掃蕩未降的殘兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)四十余營,一(yi)舉平定了濟南郡。
當時張(zhang)步定(ding)都于劇(ju)縣(今山東昌樂縣西(xi)(xi)),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)克濟(ji)南(nan)郡后(hou),進(jin)逼(bi)劇(ju)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。張(zhang)步派其弟(di)張(zhang)藍(lan)率領(ling)精兵二(er)萬駐守(shou)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)西(xi)(xi)北的(de)(de)西(xi)(xi)安(an)(an),各郡太守(shou)所(suo)部萬余(yu)人駐守(shou)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi),相距四十余(yu)里。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)進(jin)軍畫(hua)中(zhong)(地名),處在二(er)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之間。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)見西(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)小而(er)堅(jian)固,張(zhang)藍(lan)部下(xia)多(duo)是精兵,易守(shou)難攻(gong)(gong)(gong),臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)雖大而(er)易攻(gong)(gong)(gong),便準(zhun)(zhun)備采取聲東擊西(xi)(xi)的(de)(de)策略,揚言五日(ri)后(hou)將攻(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)。張(zhang)藍(lan)聞知后(hou),日(ri)夜(ye)警戒(jie)嚴守(shou)。到了后(hou)四日(ri)夜(ye)半(ban),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)卻命諸(zhu)將半(ban)夜(ye)出(chu)發,至(zhi)天明趕到臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)下(xia)。護軍荀梁等認為應速攻(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)道:“西(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)聽說我(wo)們(men)要攻(gong)(gong)(gong)它(ta),日(ri)夜(ye)作了準(zhun)(zhun)備;臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)出(chu)其不(bu)意而(er)到,必(bi)定(ding)驚擾,我(wo)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)它(ta)一(yi)天就(jiu)(jiu)能拿下(xia)。攻(gong)(gong)(gong)下(xia)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi)西(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)就(jiu)(jiu)孤(gu)立了,張(zhang)藍(lan)與張(zhang)步隔(ge)絕,必(bi)定(ding)再(zai)逃亡(wang)而(er)去,這就(jiu)(jiu)是擊一(yi)而(er)得(de)二(er)的(de)(de)良計。若先(xian)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)安(an)(an),一(yi)時不(bu)能破城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),屯兵在堅(jian)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)之下(xia),死傷必(bi)多(duo),即使能攻(gong)(gong)(gong)下(xia),張(zhang)藍(lan)引軍還奔(ben)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi),合(he)并兵力,坐觀(guan)虛實(shi),我(wo)深入敵地,后(hou)面糧(liang)草供應不(bu)上(shang),十日(ri)之間,不(bu)戰而(er)困了。諸(zhu)君的(de)(de)意見,不(bu)見得(de)合(he)適。”于是進(jin)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)臨(lin)(lin)(lin)淄(zi),半(ban)天便破城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),進(jin)據城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)內(nei)。張(zhang)藍(lan)聽到后(hou)率部逃歸劇(ju)縣。
耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)命(ming)令軍(jun)(jun)中不得妄自(zi)侵掠劇縣(xian),必須等(deng)到(dao)(dao)(dao)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)到(dao)(dao)(dao)了才進(jin)攻(gong)劇縣(xian),以(yi)激怒張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)聽到(dao)(dao)(dao)后大笑說(shuo):“以(yi)尤來(lai)(lai)、大彤十多萬(wan)眾,我都就其(qi)營而打(da)敗他(ta)。今天(tian)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)比他(ta)們少,又(you)都疲勞,有什么可(ke)怕呢!”于是與三(san)弟(di)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍、張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)弘、張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)壽及大彤大帥重(zhong)異等(deng)率兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)到(dao)(dao)(dao)臨淄大城東(dong),欲攻(gong)打(da)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)先(xian)出淄水,與重(zhong)異相遇(yu),故意示弱以(yi)盛其(qi)氣焰,回兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)小城,陳(chen)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)城內。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)氣盛,直攻(gong)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)營地,與劉歆(xin)等(deng)大戰(zhan)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)登(deng)上王宮(gong)的壞(huai)臺觀看(kan),又(you)自(zi)率精兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)從側面突(tu)擊張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)陣,大破張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)。戰(zhan)中,飛矢射中耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)股(gu)部,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)用佩刀斬斷箭(jian)矢,左右(you)都不知(zhi)道耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)中了箭(jian)矢。次日早晨,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)又(you)勒兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)出戰(zhan)。當時劉秀在(zai)魯(lu),得知(zhi)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)被張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)所攻(gong),正(zheng)親(qin)自(zi)趕來(lai)(lai)援助耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)。陳(chen)俊對耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“劇賊兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)強盛,可(ke)暫時閉營休養士卒,以(yi)等(deng)待(dai)皇(huang)帝(di)到(dao)(dao)(dao)來(lai)(lai)。”耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“天(tian)子(zi)將(jiang)到(dao)(dao)(dao),臣(chen)子(zi)應(ying)殺牛灑酒以(yi)等(deng)待(dai)百(bai)官的到(dao)(dao)(dao)來(lai)(lai),反而還(huan)要(yao)以(yi)賊虜來(lai)(lai)麻煩君上嗎?”于是出兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)大戰(zhan),自(zi)清晨至黃(huang)昏(hun),再次大破張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)軍(jun)(jun),殺傷無數(shu)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)知(zhi)道張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)困將(jiang)退,預先(xian)設置左右(you)兩翼(yi)伏兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)以(yi)待(dai)。到(dao)(dao)(dao)深(shen)夜(ye),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)果然引兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)退去,兩翼(yi)伏兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)奮(fen)起縱擊,追(zhui)到(dao)(dao)(dao)鉅昧水,八九(jiu)十里死尸相連,收得輜(zi)重(zhong)兩千多輛。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)逃回劇縣(xian),兄(xiong)弟(di)各自(zi)分(fen)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)散去。
幾(ji)日后,劉秀(xiu)(xiu)親(qin)自到(dao)臨(lin)淄勞軍(jun)。群臣大會,劉秀(xiu)(xiu)盛贊耿弇,并將其與韓信相(xiang)比。不久,耿弇再次追擊張(zhang)步。張(zhang)步逃到(dao)平(ping)壽,脫去上衣身負斧锧請罪于軍(jun)門(men)。耿弇送張(zhang)步到(dao)行在,而勒兵進據(ju)其城,收(shou)降張(zhang)步的兵眾十余萬,輜重七(qi)千余兩,全部遣散他(ta)們回鄉。后來。耿弇再引兵至城陽,收(shou)降五校(xiao)余黨(dang),平(ping)定齊地,凱旋回京。
征討隴右
建武六年(30),耿弇(yan)(yan)西拒隗(wei)囂,劉秀命耿弇(yan)(yan)等七將軍從隴(long)道伐蜀,耿弇(yan)(yan)屯兵(bing)于漆縣。
建(jian)武八(ba)年(32),耿弇(yan)又隨(sui)劉秀(xiu)進攻隴右,耿弇(yan)與(yu)虎牙(ya)大將軍蓋延圍上邽。
建武九年(33),耿弇(yan)與中郎將來歙分兵平定安定、北地諸(zhu)營堡。
建武十年(34),耿弇(yan)與來歙、蓋延(yan)等(deng)攻破(po)落門,隗純投降(jiang)。
晚年生活
建武十(shi)三年(37),劉(liu)秀命增加耿弇的食邑(yi)。不(bu)久(jiu),耿弇上繳(jiao)大將軍印綬,以(yi)列侯身份(fen)列席朝(chao)會(hui)。劉(liu)秀每(mei)遇四方有不(bu)同意見,經(jing)常(chang)召(zhao)見耿弇顧問(wen)籌(chou)策。
永平元年(58),耿弇病(bing)逝(shi),年五十六歲,謚(shi)曰愍侯。
總評
在東(dong)(dong)征的一系列戰役(yi)中(zhong),耿弇充分顯示(shi)(shi)了他的軍事才能(neng)。在各個(ge)(ge)戰役(yi)中(zhong),他采用(yong)了心(xin)理戰、攻堅(jian)戰、圍城打援、聲東(dong)(dong)擊西、避(bi)強擊弱(ruo)等一系列戰術,而且運(yun)用(yong)巧妙,每(mei)戰必勝。耿弇是一個(ge)(ge)難(nan)得(de)的勇將,在自(zi)身中(zhong)箭負傷的情況下(xia),鎮定自(zi)若,繼續激勵部(bu)下(xia)戰斗(dou),充分顯示(shi)(shi)出將帥的風度。
歷代評價
范曄在《后(hou)漢書》中,將(jiang)耿(geng)弇獨列一傳,并評價道:
弇凡所平郡四十六,屠(tu)城(cheng)三百,未嘗挫折(zhe)。
論(lun)曰:淮陰(yin)廷論(lun)項(xiang)王,審料成埶(yi),則知高祖之(zhi)廟勝(sheng)矣。耿(geng)弇決(jue)策河(he)北,定計(ji)南陽,亦見光武之(zhi)業(ye)成矣。然弇自(zi)克拔(ba)全(quan)齊,而無復尺寸功。夫豈不懷(huai)?將時之(zhi)度(du)數,不足以相容乎?三世為將,道(dao)家所(suo)忌(ji),而耿(geng)氏累葉以功名(ming)自(zi)終。將其(qi)用兵欲以殺止殺乎?何(he)其(qi)獨能隆也(ye)!
贊曰:好(hao)畤(zhi)經武,能畫能兵。往收燕卒,來集漢(han)營。請閑趙殿,釃(shi)酒齊城(cheng)。
劉秀:昔(xi)韓(han)(han)信破歷下(xia)以開(kai)基(ji),今將(jiang)軍攻祝阿以發跡,此皆齊之西(xi)界(jie),功足相方。而韓(han)(han)信襲擊已降,將(jiang)軍獨拔勁敵(di),其功乃難于信也。
慕(mu)容鐘:昔(xi)韓信以(yi)裨將(jiang)伐(fa)齊,有征無戰;耿弇以(yi)偏軍(jun)討步,克不(bu)移朔(shuo)。
《十七史百將傳(chuan)》:“孫子(zi)曰:‘善戰者,致(zhi)人而(er)不致(zhi)于人。’弇(yan)逼巨(ju)里而(er)致(zhi)費(fei)邑。又曰:‘善攻者,敵不知(zhi)其(qi)所守。’弇(yan)攻西安而(er)拔臨淄是也。”
洪邁:耿弇與光武(wu)同討王郎,愿歸幽州,益(yi)發精兵,定彭寵,取張豐,還收富平(ping)、獲索,東(dong)攻(gong)張步,以平(ping)齊地,帝常以為落落難(nan)合,而事竟成。
陳元靚:弱(ruo)冠稱(cheng)兵(bing),時惟好矣。附翼攀鱗,風飛(fei)云(yun)起。力贊真人,身(shen)先(xian)突騎。底(di)定三秦,淮陰之(zhi)比。
徐鈞:馳召蕭王命罷兵,獻謀懷(huai)貳見尤明。平齊(qi)定(ding)趙基圖壯,有志方知事(shi)竟成(cheng)。
葉居升:世間奇才,罕有如顏回、耿弇、鄧禹者,固(gu)未可拘于常(chang)法(fa)。
王夫之:光武所與興者,南陽崛起之流輩(bei),而其收河北(bei)以為根本,則唯得耿(geng)弇、寇恂(xun)、吳(wu)漢而大業定。
鄭觀應(ying):古(gu)之所(suo)謂將才(cai)者,曰(yue)儒將、曰(yue)大將、曰(yue)才(cai)將、曰(yue)戰將。孫臏、吳起、白起、耿弇(yan)、楊(yang)素、慕容紹(shao)宗(zong)、李光(guang)弼(bi)、馬(ma)燧等,才(cai)將也(ye)。
李景星:淮陰無基可藉,弇則有業可承;淮陰誅及本身,弇則榮施后(hou)世。論(lun)其始終(zhong),適(shi)成(cheng)反對(dui);至(zhi)其建(jian)功立業,兩人(ren)如出一轍(che)。……弇入(ru)造床下(xia)請(qing)間(jian)說光武(wu),則淮陰登壇之(zhi)對(dui)也(ye);弇到上谷收斬韋順、蔡充(chong),則淮陰鹵豹之(zhi)謀也(ye);弇進討張(zhang)步(bu),以次削平齊(qi)地,則淮陰破趙服燕,終(zhong)于定(ding)齊(qi)之(zhi)功也(ye)。
蔡東藩(fan):耿弇諸將,能諫阻光武之赦(she)奉,不(bu)知(zhi)諫阻光武之封吾,其(qi)亦一得一失也(ye)歟!