左(zuo)懋第(1601年(nian)-1645年(nian)),字仲及,號(hao)蘿石,山東萊陽人(ren)(ren)。大明(ming)赴清(qing)談和使(shi)者,后被清(qing)朝扣押,寧(ning)死不降,后人(ren)(ren)稱“明(ming)末(mo)文天祥(xiang)”。明(ming)朝末(mo)年(nian),國家內憂外患,危機四(si)伏,大廈將傾,萊陽進士左(zuo)懋第卻(que)登上了人(ren)(ren)生最(zui)壯美的(de)舞臺。他(ta)治理韓(han)城(cheng),政績(ji)優異,考選(xuan)欽定第一,由知縣擢升朝中擔任要職(zhi),成(cheng)為威宗(zong)皇帝信(xin)任的(de)股肱之臣。崇禎甲申(1644),清(qing)兵入關,國難當(dang)頭,他(ta)挺身而出,與(yu)清(qing)朝攝政王多爾袞唇槍舌(she)劍,堅(jian)決維護大明(ming)尊嚴。面(mian)對酷刑和威逼利誘(you),他(ta)寧(ning)作大明(ming)鬼,不當(dang)清(qing)朝王,成(cheng)為比肩(jian)文天祥(xiang)的(de)民(min)族英(ying)雄。
萊(lai)陽(yang)左(zuo)(zuo)氏,一世祖左(zuo)(zuo)原(yuan)。明永樂間(jian)自章(zhang)丘遷(qian)徙至萊(lai)陽(yang)。左(zuo)(zuo)原(yuan)生左(zuo)(zuo)盛,左(zuo)(zuo)盛生左(zuo)(zuo)方(fang),左(zuo)(zuo)方(fang)生文升,文升生奎、英、彥(yan)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第祖父(fu)左(zuo)(zuo)奎,生之(zhi)龍(long)、之(zhi)藩(fan)、之(zhi)禎。左(zuo)(zuo)之(zhi)龍(long)(1550-1623),字用化,號云樓,萬歷己卯(1579)舉人(ren),歷任河北房(fang)山、良鄉知(zhi)縣,陜(shan)西西華知(zhi)縣,延安(an)(an)府同知(zhi),灤州(zhou)知(zhi)州(zhou),署北平(ping)太(tai)守,南(nan)京(jing)刑(xing)部廣東(dong)司員外郎、河南(nan)司郎中。誥授奉政(zheng)大夫、敕封光(guang)祿大夫。繼配(pei)陳氏,寧海指揮僉事(shi)陳治安(an)(an)長女(nv),敕封夫人(ren),生左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第、左(zuo)(zuo)之(zhi)龍(long)墓地(di)在萊(lai)陽(yang)市沐浴店鎮北旺村。
青年才俊少(shao)負大志
萬歷四十(shi)三(san)年(1615),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)與(yu)堂兄弟左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)泰(tai)、左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)芬、左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)桂、左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)良輔等人參(can)加了著名(ming)的文(wen)社(she)(she)山左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)大社(she)(she)(復社(she)(she)分支)。據《萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)(yang)縣(xian)志》記載,山左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)大社(she)(she)91名(ming)成員,萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)(yang)人占(zhan)了十(shi)之六(liu)七。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)經常(chang)(chang)參(can)加交游聚會,切(qie)磋學問,評(ping)說時局,文(wen)名(ming)遠揚(yang)。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)的父親(qin)(qin)在萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)(yang)城西郊建有(you)“西墅(shu)草(cao)(cao)堂”,草(cao)(cao)堂中(zhong)有(you)一(yi)處“浴(yu)月臺(tai)”,左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)經常(chang)(chang)與(yu)兄弟和同(tong)學來(lai)此(ci)讀書,詩(shi)文(wen)唱和。母親(qin)(qin)陳氏,是寧海(hai)州(今牟平(ping))指揮僉(qian)事(shi)陳治安之女,懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)經常(chang)(chang)往(wang)來(lai)于萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)(yang)、寧海(hai)之間。天啟(qi)二年(1622),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)游昆崳山煙霞洞,聽(ting)聞(wen)寧海(hai)州張國俊將軍在平(ping)定白蓮(lian)教之亂中(zhong)戰死,年僅(jin)28歲,懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)十(shi)分惋(wan)惜(xi),作詩(shi)《挽張將軍》:“孰若(ruo)海(hai)上張將軍,慷(kang)慨殺賊生(sheng)絕?。……血(xue)漬寒沙英魂歸(gui),風悲鬼嘯昏白晝。”天啟(qi)三(san)年(1623),萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)(yang)縣(xian)教諭朱?在縣(xian)學里(li)選(xuan)拔左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)、張允掄等八位優秀學生(sheng)加上自(zi)己,組(zu)成“九龍社(she)(she)”,一(yi)起(qi)上課研(yan)討學問,左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)頗受(shou)器(qi)重,成為“九龍”中(zhong)的佼佼者(zhe)。后(hou)人評(ping)價他:“為諸生(sheng),即負海(hai)內盛(sheng)名(ming)。為文(wen)高古雄奧,不(bu)可一(yi)世(shi)。”贊譽(yu)他:“學富五(wu)車二酉,文(wen)追(zhui)東洛(luo)西京。”
左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)為(wei)人(ren)(ren)正直,胸懷大志,青少年(nian)時即(ji)關注國家(jia)命(ming)運。天(tian)啟六年(nian)(1626),權(quan)臣魏忠賢授(shou)(shou)意黨羽(yu)編編纂《三朝會(hui)典》,借以(yi)誣陷打擊(ji)東林(lin)黨人(ren)(ren)。左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)讀后(hou)不(bu)(bu)勝憤(fen)(fen)恨,認為(wei)這是(shi)(shi)“變亂是(shi)(shi)非,顛倒(dao)賢佞。”手指纂修(xiu)諸人(ren)(ren)姓名,說:“此皆邪佞之人(ren)(ren)。”手擊(ji)紙(zhi)碎。當他得(de)知(zhi)翰(han)林(lin)院編修(xiu)陳明(ming)卿(qing)先生(sheng)(sheng)因得(de)罪魏忠賢而被削職時,十分氣憤(fen)(fen),作(zuo)文予(yu)以(yi)抨擊(ji),抒發心中(zhong)(zhong)不(bu)(bu)平。崇禎二年(nian)(1629),白蓮教(jiao)教(jiao)徒董大成(cheng)聚眾(zhong)五千(qian)人(ren)(ren)圍攻萊陽(yang)縣(xian)(xian)城(cheng)。萊陽(yang)承平已久,人(ren)(ren)不(bu)(bu)識兵(bing),形(xing)勢非常危(wei)急,縣(xian)(xian)衙只好組織城(cheng)里(li)的(de)(de)(de)紳士、市(shi)民(min)自(zi)(zi)衛。左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)自(zi)(zi)告奮勇,登上城(cheng)墻,開(kai)炮(pao)擊(ji)賊,結果炮(pao)膛(tang)炸裂(lie),自(zi)(zi)己差點被炸死(si)。左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)仍奮不(bu)(bu)顧身,簡單包扎后(hou),再次(ci)舉炮(pao)轟擊(ji)敵(di)人(ren)(ren),并(bing)擊(ji)中(zhong)(zhong)敵(di)人(ren)(ren)首領。董大成(cheng)見(jian)取勝無(wu)望(wang),率眾(zhong)遁去,后(hou)逃(tao)至蒙陰被殺(sha)。左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)(de)英勇事跡(ji)傳遍膠東士林(lin),這次(ci)戰斗也是(shi)(shi)他人(ren)(ren)生(sheng)(sheng)中(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)次(ci)重要(yao)經(jing)歷(li),對(dui)日后(hou)的(de)(de)(de)仕(shi)途(tu)生(sheng)(sheng)涯(ya)產生(sheng)(sheng)了(le)重要(yao)影響。崇禎三年(nian)(1630),左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)鄉(xiang)試考中(zhong)(zhong)亞元(第(di)(di)(di)(di)二名),翌年(nian)聯(lian)捷成(cheng)進士。大詩人(ren)(ren)吳偉業、張溥也高中(zhong)(zhong)進士。萊陽(yang)縣(xian)(xian)的(de)(de)(de)姜?、沈(shen)迅(xun)則與左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)同榜,三人(ren)(ren)志同道合,皆以(yi)志節留名史冊(ce),成(cheng)為(wei)著名的(de)(de)(de)“明(ming)末萊陽(yang)三君子”。其時左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)(de)叔父(fu)左之武任(ren)登州(zhou)衛鎮撫,姐夫(fu)孫(sun)承祖(zu)任(ren)登州(zhou)衛游(you)擊(ji)將軍(jun)。左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)與親友一(yi)起(qi)來(lai)到蓬萊游(you)珠璣崖,見(jian)大魚長約數(shu)丈,出沒濤中(zhong)(zhong),乃乘興題詩石壁:“水撲青天(tian)濤卷雪,石峰片片皆奇絕。浮白狂歌(ge)長吉詩,元氣茫茫收不(bu)(bu)得(de)。”崇禎五年(nian)(1632)八月,左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)授(shou)(shou)陜西韓(han)城(cheng)知(zhi)縣(xian)(xian)。韓(han)城(cheng)地處(chu)黃河之濱(bin),歷(li)來(lai)有“秦中(zhong)(zhong)最敝邑”之稱,由(you)于連年(nian)災害(hai),流(liu)寇四起(qi),民(min)不(bu)(bu)聊生(sheng)(sheng),這對(dui)初(chu)出茅(mao)廬的(de)(de)(de)左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)來(lai)說無(wu)疑是(shi)(shi)踏上仕(shi)途(tu)的(de)(de)(de)第(di)(di)(di)(di)一(yi)場(chang)嚴(yan)峻(jun)考驗。“郡縣(xian)(xian)治,天(tian)下安。”左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)熟讀史書(shu)和(he)儒家(jia)經(jing)典,深知(zhi)自(zi)(zi)己擔負的(de)(de)(de)責任(ren),面對(dui)艱難局面,沒有退縮(suo),決心有所作(zuo)為(wei)。他在(zai)給恩(en)師(shi)陳明(ming)卿(qing)的(de)(de)(de)信中(zhong)(zhong)說:“聞命(ming)之初(chu),恐愧戰栗,知(zhi)不(bu)(bu)勝任(ren),嚴(yan)訓之下,不(bu)(bu)敢(gan)重違(wei),勉為(wei)之。”十月,左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)與母親一(yi)起(qi)來(lai)到韓(han)城(cheng),開(kai)始(shi)了(le)十三年(nian)的(de)(de)(de)仕(shi)宦生(sheng)(sheng)涯(ya)。
1、韓城保衛戰
抗(kang)敵御寇(kou)(kou),保障一(yi)(yi)方(fang)平(ping)安,維護(hu)群眾(zhong)正常(chang)的(de)生(sheng)活生(sheng)產(chan)秩序。崇(chong)禎(zhen)初年(nian),農(nong)(nong)民起(qi)(qi)義風起(qi)(qi)云涌(yong),土匪盜(dao)賊(zei)四(si)(si)起(qi)(qi),韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)尤其(qi)猖獗。崇(chong)禎(zhen)五(wu)年(nian)(1632)十(shi)月(yue)(yue),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)剛到韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng),原任知縣(xian)外出未(wei)歸,尚(shang)未(wei)正式交接(jie)公務(wu),就遇(yu)上(shang)流(liu)寇(kou)(kou)侵(qin)擾,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)隨即(ji)下令各鄉收斂(lian)糧畜,堅壁清(qing)野,接(jie)著征兵(bing)、調(diao)餉、防河、守城(cheng)(cheng),成功地擊(ji)退(tui)了敵人(ren)(ren)(ren)。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)西(xi)北山中乃流(liu)賊(zei)舊巢,殘余五(wu)七百人(ren)(ren)(ren)盤(pan)踞山中,時常(chang)出山搶掠(lve),農(nong)(nong)民不(bu)(bu)敢上(shang)山耕種土地,附近(jin)百姓也(ye)無(wu)(wu)法安生(sheng)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)憤然曰:“無(wu)(wu)農(nong)(nong),民胡以(yi)(yi)為命?寇(kou)(kou)不(bu)(bu)清(qing),民又安得(de)而農(nong)(nong)耶(ye)?”于是,招募十(shi)一(yi)(yi)路民兵(bing),親(qin)自指(zhi)揮,清(qing)剿山中流(liu)賊(zei)余孽,部分逃往(wang)山西(xi),相(xiang)戒(jie)以(yi)(yi)后“毋入(ru)韓(han)(han)(han)境”。對于抓獲(huo)的(de)三四(si)(si)十(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren),則令其(qi)回家種田。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)下車伊(yi)始,果斷出手,指(zhi)揮有方(fang),得(de)到韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)士(shi)(shi)紳百姓的(de)贊許(xu)。崇(chong)禎(zhen)六年(nian)(1633)十(shi)二(er)月(yue)(yue),流(liu)寇(kou)(kou)千余人(ren)(ren)(ren)西(xi)渡(du)黃(huang)河侵(qin)襲韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)。這一(yi)(yi)年(nian)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)夏無(wu)(wu)雨冬無(wu)(wu)雪,遭遇(yu)嚴重干旱(han)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)邊組織(zhi)抗(kang)旱(han)救災,一(yi)(yi)邊戎裝上(shang)陣,親(qin)自督兵(bing)進山五(wu)十(shi)里追(zhui)剿,指(zhi)揮士(shi)(shi)兵(bing)于河上(shang)作戰(zhan)(zhan),取得(de)勝(sheng)(sheng)利。崇(chong)禎(zhen)七年(nian)(1634)二(er)、三月(yue)(yue),流(liu)寇(kou)(kou)再入(ru)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)。干旱(han)導(dao)致莊稼絕收,韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)發生(sheng)饑(ji)荒(huang)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)想方(fang)設法賑濟(ji)災民的(de)同時,組織(zhi)協(xie)調(diao)軍隊(dui)御敵,敵退(tui),乘勝(sheng)(sheng)追(zhui)擊(ji)120里而還(huan)。崇(chong)禎(zhen)八年(nian)(1635),農(nong)(nong)民起(qi)(qi)義愈演愈烈,七月(yue)(yue)、十(shi)一(yi)(yi)月(yue)(yue)兩次(ci)侵(qin)擾韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng),韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)全線告急。特別是十(shi)一(yi)(yi)月(yue)(yue)至次(ci)年(nian)正月(yue)(yue)的(de)40多(duo)天里,民軍、流(liu)寇(kou)(kou)數萬人(ren)(ren)(ren)圍困(kun)縣(xian)城(cheng)(cheng),日夜吶喊攻殺(sha),戰(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)(dou)十(shi)分激烈,形勢岌岌可(ke)危。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)每(mei)日與守軍將領研究戰(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)(dou)方(fang)案,“以(yi)(yi)火(huo)器擊(ji)之,以(yi)(yi)步(bu)兵(bing)接(jie)戰(zhan)(zhan),于城(cheng)(cheng)外筑攔馬墻(qiang),城(cheng)(cheng)內筑敵臺,伏義兵(bing),設火(huo)炮,賊(zei)不(bu)(bu)能攻,意在坐(zuo)困(kun)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)會商士(shi)(shi)紳相(xiang)約分守四(si)(si)門,親(qin)自巡查城(cheng)(cheng)防,調(diao)度部署。西(xi)門最為緊要,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)夜宿(su)其(qi)上(shang),意氣風發,閱(yue)讀兵(bing)書,指(zhi)揮若(ruo)定。戰(zhan)(zhan)斗(dou)(dou)閑暇(xia)“從容賦詩不(bu)(bu)少(shao)休(xiu),見者以(yi)(yi)為神人(ren)(ren)(ren)。”最后“賊(zei)不(bu)(bu)能入(ru),前后共(gong)攻四(si)(si)十(shi)余日方(fang)引去(qu)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)知人(ren)(ren)(ren)善任,身先(xian)士(shi)(shi)卒,枕戈待旦40余日,贏(ying)得(de)了韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)保衛戰(zhan)(zhan)的(de)勝(sheng)(sheng)利。
2、韓城為官,愛(ai)民(min)恤(xu)民(min)
左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)雖為一介書生(sheng),但對(dui)用(yong)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)之(zhi)(zhi)法卻有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)一番(fan)獨到(dao)見(jian)解(jie)。崇禎(zhen)四(si)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1631)冬,膠東發(fa)(fa)生(sheng)登(deng)萊事(shi)變,明將孔有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)德等攻(gong)陷(xian)(xian)登(deng)州,登(deng)州衛總兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)張扶輿自(zi)殺(sha)殉難。第(di)(di)(di)(di)二年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)得(de)(de)(de)(de)知(zhi)(zhi)好友殉難,哀傷之(zhi)(zhi)余(yu)(yu),為其(qi)(qi)(qi)《陣圖》一書作序(xu),說到(dao):“余(yu)(yu)書生(sheng)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)知(zhi)(zhi)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing),然竊(qie)見(jian)其(qi)(qi)(qi)條理(li)錯綜,可(ke)教民(min)(min)(min)猛果(guo)克戰(zhan)斗。民(min)(min)(min)之(zhi)(zhi)猛果(guo)生(sheng),于(yu)(yu)將可(ke)恃,而(er)(er)(er)(er)將之(zhi)(zhi)自(zi)恃,惟用(yong)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)法。”明末清(qing)初學(xue)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)屈大(da)(da)均(jun)(jun)(jun)則(ze)(ze)評價(jia)(jia)左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di):“初知(zhi)(zhi)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)縣(xian),流寇三(san)(san)薄(bo)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),再(zai)躪其(qi)(qi)(qi)境,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)率士民(min)(min)(min)而(er)(er)(er)(er)戰(zhan),身(shen)當(dang)鋒,輒大(da)(da)破走(zou)之(zhi)(zhi)。關(guan)中(zhong)保(bao)障,推懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)第(di)(di)(di)(di)一。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)憑借忠勇謀略,力(li)(li)保(bao)一方(fang)平(ping)(ping)安,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)僅地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)方(fang)紳(shen)民(min)(min)(min)稱贊(zan),省府(fu)政要、封(feng)疆大(da)(da)吏(li)也(ye)對(dui)他(ta)刮目(mu)相看(kan)。全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)力(li)(li)救(jiu)(jiu)災(zai)(zai),拯救(jiu)(jiu)饑(ji)民(min)(min)(min),化解(jie)社會危機。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)初到(dao)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),忙于(yu)(yu)剿匪(fei)御寇,幾乎無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)一寧日。同時(shi),嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)重(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)災(zai)(zai)荒(huang)也(ye)給(gei)(gei)這位(wei)初來(lai)乍到(dao)的(de)(de)(de)青(qing)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)縣(xian)令(ling)嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)峻考驗。崇禎(zhen)五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1632)“冬無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)雪,春(chun)田(tian)(tian)(tian)遲,遂無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)麥(mai)。夏又(you)(you)雨(yu)少,秋霜早,殺(sha)谷(gu)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)禾。”六年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1633),“冬又(you)(you)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)雪,麥(mai)子不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)入地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)”,七年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1634),“春(chun)又(you)(you)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)雨(yu),地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)皆焦土(tu)。”連(lian)續三(san)(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)的(de)(de)(de)旱災(zai)(zai)使(shi)全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)陷(xian)(xian)入饑(ji)荒(huang),許(xu)多人(ren)被餓死(si)。百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)從吃(chi)草根刮樹皮,發(fa)(fa)展到(dao)賣妻鬻子,刮死(si)人(ren)肉(rou)(rou)而(er)(er)(er)(er)食(shi)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)這位(wei)善良正直的(de)(de)(de)封(feng)建縣(xian)令(ling)目(mu)睹慘(can)狀(zhuang),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)禁(jin)潸然淚下(xia)。他(ta)一邊(bian)(bian)把(ba)觸目(mu)驚心(xin)的(de)(de)(de)災(zai)(zai)情(qing)向(xiang)上(shang)級如(ru)(ru)(ru)實(shi)報(bao)告,請(qing)求賑(zhen)濟,一邊(bian)(bian)想方(fang)設(she)法、竭盡(jin)全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)力(li)(li)在全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)范圍內(nei)組織(zhi)救(jiu)(jiu)災(zai)(zai)。崇禎(zhen)六年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1633)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)底,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)倡導“捐(juan)(juan)俸勸賑(zhen)法”,帶頭捐(juan)(juan)俸銀(yin)50兩(liang),發(fa)(fa)動官紳(shen)和(he)(he)(he)其(qi)(qi)(qi)他(ta)富(fu)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)而(er)(er)(er)(er)好義者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)捐(juan)(juan)銀(yin)賑(zhen)濟饑(ji)民(min)(min)(min),共得(de)(de)(de)(de)銀(yin)250兩(liang)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)親自(zi)下(xia)鄉排(pai)(pai)查(cha)(cha),查(cha)(cha)出餓得(de)(de)(de)(de)奄奄一息者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)3529人(ren)作為重(zhong)點(dian)救(jiu)(jiu)助(zhu)對(dui)象(xiang),全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)分八個(ge)救(jiu)(jiu)濟點(dian)進行(xing)救(jiu)(jiu)助(zhu)。崇禎(zhen)七年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1634)春(chun),災(zai)(zai)情(qing)加重(zhong),饑(ji)民(min)(min)(min)越來(lai)越多。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)實(shi)行(xing)“各(ge)里(li)賑(zhen)各(ge)里(li)法”,饑(ji)民(min)(min)(min)由(you)(you)各(ge)里(li)鄉紳(shen)和(he)(he)(he)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)威(wei)望的(de)(de)(de)耆(qi)老(lao)核(he)定(ding)(ding),查(cha)(cha)出急(ji)需救(jiu)(jiu)濟者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)5200人(ren),由(you)(you)各(ge)里(li)耆(qi)老(lao)主持救(jiu)(jiu)濟。又(you)(you)查(cha)(cha)得(de)(de)(de)(de)里(li)甲不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)收和(he)(he)(he)流浪街(jie)頭者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)311人(ren),在城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)北門外設(she)粥廠賑(zhen)濟。同時(shi),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)把(ba)全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)饑(ji)民(min)(min)(min)按(an)照(zhao)“極(ji)貧(pin)(pin)、次貧(pin)(pin)、又(you)(you)次貧(pin)(pin)”分為三(san)(san)類,共計(ji)(ji)14000多人(ren),造冊上(shang)報(bao),得(de)(de)(de)(de)到(dao)朝廷賑(zhen)銀(yin)1437兩(liang)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)區別災(zai)(zai)民(min)(min)(min)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)同情(qing)況發(fa)(fa)放賑(zhen)銀(yin),還對(dui)貧(pin)(pin)困(kun)(kun)的(de)(de)(de)讀書人(ren)給(gei)(gei)予特別照(zhao)顧,極(ji)貧(pin)(pin)生(sheng)18名(ming),每(mei)人(ren)給(gei)(gei)銀(yin)二錢(qian),次貧(pin)(pin)生(sheng)29名(ming),每(mei)人(ren)給(gei)(gei)銀(yin)一錢(qian)五(wu)分,盡(jin)力(li)(li)使(shi)學(xue)子們不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)因(yin)貧(pin)(pin)困(kun)(kun)輟學(xue)。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)重(zhong)缺糧(liang)(liang)(liang),百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)數米而(er)(er)(er)(er)炊,為防止市(shi)場糧(liang)(liang)(liang)價(jia)(jia)暴漲,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)自(zi)己(ji)捐(juan)(juan)俸買(mai)粟100石(shi),又(you)(you)發(fa)(fa)動其(qi)(qi)(qi)他(ta)官紳(shen)捐(juan)(juan)粟2000石(shi),設(she)置“常平(ping)(ping)倉”,在全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)實(shi)行(xing)“平(ping)(ping)準(zhun)(zhun)法”,平(ping)(ping)抑糧(liang)(liang)(liang)價(jia)(jia),規定(ding)(ding)“私糶者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)禁(jin),必至于(yu)(yu)市(shi)。”使(shi)災(zai)(zai)民(min)(min)(min)拿到(dao)賑(zhen)銀(yin)后(hou)能(neng)夠買(mai)到(dao)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)食(shi)。由(you)(you)于(yu)(yu)左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)賑(zhen)災(zai)(zai)得(de)(de)(de)(de)法,措(cuo)施可(ke)行(xing),全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)活數萬(wan)人(ren),大(da)(da)大(da)(da)減(jian)少了(le)(le)死(si)亡(wang)和(he)(he)(he)流亡(wang)人(ren)數,韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)十(shi)(shi)分感念他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)功(gong)德。愛(ai)民(min)(min)(min)恤民(min)(min)(min),為韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)減(jian)免賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),減(jian)輕百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)負擔(dan)。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)連(lian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)災(zai)(zai)害(hai),饑(ji)荒(huang)嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)重(zhong),但百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)卻仍(reng)(reng)然負擔(dan)沉重(zhong),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)下(xia)決心(xin)改變現(xian)狀(zhuang),給(gei)(gei)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)一條活路。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)“戶口(kou)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)啻(chi)以(yi)十(shi)(shi)余(yu)(yu)萬(wan)計(ji)(ji),而(er)(er)(er)(er)富(fu)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)過十(shi)(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)二、三(san)(san),其(qi)(qi)(qi)余(yu)(yu)皆饑(ji)民(min)(min)(min)矣。”而(er)(er)(er)(er)且(qie)“賊殘之(zhi)(zhi)后(hou),民(min)(min)(min)散(san)其(qi)(qi)(qi)半,地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)荒(huang)其(qi)(qi)(qi)七。”饑(ji)民(min)(min)(min)連(lian)飯(fan)都吃(chi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)上(shang),拿什么(me)交稅(shui)(shui)(shui)?因(yin)此全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)拖欠(qian)(qian)嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)重(zhong),“(崇禎(zhen))四(si)、五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)拖欠(qian)(qian)至五(wu)千兩(liang),而(er)(er)(er)(er)六年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)未完,將浮于(yu)(yu)一萬(wan)兩(liang)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)毅然多次上(shang)書,請(qing)求將韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)歷年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)拖欠(qian)(qian)的(de)(de)(de)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)部蠲免,并(bing)暫緩(huan)征(zheng)收新稅(shui)(shui)(shui),給(gei)(gei)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)休養生(sheng)息的(de)(de)(de)機會。為國家征(zheng)收賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)本(ben)是一個(ge)封(feng)建縣(xian)令(ling)最(zui)(zui)基(ji)本(ben)的(de)(de)(de)職(zhi)責,考核(he)升遷全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)賴于(yu)(yu)此。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)卻不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)忍心(xin)為了(le)(le)自(zi)己(ji)的(de)(de)(de)功(gong)名(ming)利祿而(er)(er)(er)(er)向(xiang)“無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)居(ju)、無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)衣、無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)食(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)、有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)皮無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)肉(rou)(rou)之(zhi)(zhi)赤(chi)子”征(zheng)收賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),他(ta)說:“功(gong)令(ling)既不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)寬(kuan)我,我也(ye)甘之(zhi)(zhi)。”又(you)(you)說:“畏功(gong)令(ling)而(er)(er)(er)(er)迫(po)于(yu)(yu)催科,既不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)完賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),而(er)(er)(er)(er)又(you)(you)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)以(yi)傷國家之(zhi)(zhi)元氣,卑職(zhi)所不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢出也(ye)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)認為:“民(min)(min)(min)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)安其(qi)(qi)(qi)生(sheng),吏(li)難盡(jin)其(qi)(qi)(qi)職(zhi)。”作為封(feng)建官吏(li)能(neng)夠把(ba)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)疾苦放在第(di)(di)(di)(di)一位(wei),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)顧個(ge)人(ren)前途安危,實(shi)屬難得(de)(de)(de)(de)。除(chu)(chu)了(le)(le)連(lian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)災(zai)(zai)荒(huang),韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)生(sheng)活貧(pin)(pin)困(kun)(kun)拖欠(qian)(qian)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)還有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)一個(ge)重(zhong)要原因(yin)就是空(kong)賠(pei)錢(qian)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)自(zi)嘉靖(jing)四(si)十(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1561年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))丈(zhang)(zhang)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)均(jun)(jun)(jun)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)以(yi)后(hou),按(an)照(zhao)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)畝數繳(jiao)納(na)(na)錢(qian)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)處黃(huang)河岸(an)邊(bian)(bian),大(da)(da)量(liang)土(tu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)被沖毀崩(beng)塌,農民(min)(min)(min)失去了(le)(le)土(tu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di),70多年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)來(lai)卻一直要按(an)照(zhao)嘉靖(jing)四(si)十(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)確(que)定(ding)(ding)的(de)(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)畝數交納(na)(na)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),每(mei)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)空(kong)賠(pei)銀(yin)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)兩(liang)千余(yu)(yu)石(shi),年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)復一年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),農民(min)(min)(min)生(sheng)活難以(yi)為繼,“死(si)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)半、逃(tao)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)半”。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)下(xia)鄉巡視,看(kan)到(dao)近岸(an)村莊因(yin)“賠(pei)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)賣屋,屋盡(jin)人(ren)逃(tao)與死(si)也(ye)。沿(yan)河居(ju)民(min)(min)(min),老(lao)幼萬(wan)余(yu)(yu)人(ren)……皆身(shen)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)完衣。”面對(dui)慘(can)狀(zhuang),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)心(xin)急(ji)如(ru)(ru)(ru)焚。崇禎(zhen)八年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1635)十(shi)(shi)月,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)與縣(xian)內(nei)士紳(shen)反復磋商,毅然決定(ding)(ding)在全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)范圍內(nei)重(zhong)新丈(zhang)(zhang)量(liang)土(tu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di),平(ping)(ping)均(jun)(jun)(jun)田(tian)(tian)(tian)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu),徹底改變韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)空(kong)賠(pei)錢(qian)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)的(de)(de)(de)現(xian)狀(zhuang),為韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)“除(chu)(chu)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)之(zhi)(zhi)害(hai),興百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)之(zhi)(zhi)利。”這是一項極(ji)其(qi)(qi)(qi)復雜的(de)(de)(de)工(gong)作,涉及(ji)到(dao)各(ge)個(ge)階層的(de)(de)(de)利益,阻(zu)力(li)(li)很大(da)(da),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)做了(le)(le)精心(xin)細(xi)致的(de)(de)(de)安排(pai)(pai)。他(ta)頒布了(le)(le)《均(jun)(jun)(jun)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)法則(ze)(ze)示》,設(she)計(ji)(ji)了(le)(le)程序(xu)嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)密的(de)(de)(de)“三(san)(san)番(fan)清(qing)丈(zhang)(zhang)法”:各(ge)里(li)自(zi)己(ji)清(qing)丈(zhang)(zhang)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)畝數,造《魚(yu)鱗冊》上(shang)報(bao)縣(xian)里(li)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)再(zai)率人(ren)逐里(li)抽丈(zhang)(zhang),最(zui)(zui)后(hou)全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)28里(li)互相復丈(zhang)(zhang)。三(san)(san)番(fan)清(qing)丈(zhang)(zhang)后(hou),允許(xu)彼此舉(ju)報(bao),如(ru)(ru)(ru)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)揭(jie)發(fa)(fa)舉(ju)報(bao),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)則(ze)(ze)親自(zi)帶人(ren)前往丈(zhang)(zhang)量(liang)。對(dui)于(yu)(yu)故意“隱漏”、“受賄(hui)”及(ji)“強梁不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)公”者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),“依律(lv)定(ding)(ding)罪,決不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)食(shi)言”。為防止有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)人(ren)行(xing)賄(hui),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)命(ming)所有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)工(gong)作人(ren)員“各(ge)帶口(kou)糧(liang)(liang)(liang),遇(yu)村鎮隨便買(mai)食(shi),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)許(xu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)方(fang)搭棚結彩,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)準(zhun)(zhun)備(bei)飯(fan)獻茶。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)避勞怨,專精力(li)(li)行(xing),從而(er)(er)(er)(er)準(zhun)(zhun)確(que)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)掌握(wo)了(le)(le)全(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)縣(xian)土(tu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)數量(liang),做到(dao)了(le)(le)“有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)田(tian)(tian)(tian)則(ze)(ze)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)糧(liang)(liang)(liang),無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)田(tian)(tian)(tian)則(ze)(ze)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)。”韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)數十(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)空(kong)賠(pei)錢(qian)糧(liang)(liang)(liang)的(de)(de)(de)重(zhong)大(da)(da)弊端終(zhong)于(yu)(yu)革除(chu)(chu)了(le)(le),廣大(da)(da)農民(min)(min)(min)奔走(zou)相告,拍手稱快。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)指(zhi)導編寫的(de)(de)(de)《魚(yu)鱗冊》,用(yong)來(lai)管(guan)理(li)河岸(an)灘(tan)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di),解(jie)決了(le)(le)河水淹沒土(tu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)可(ke)耕(geng)種和(he)(he)(he)河水退后(hou)土(tu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)沒有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)耕(geng)種仍(reng)(reng)要納(na)(na)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)的(de)(de)(de)難題,此舉(ju)深得(de)(de)(de)(de)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)認可(ke),后(hou)世沿(yan)用(yong)至今(jin)。
崇(chong)(chong)尚(shang)節儉(jian)(jian),割除陋習(xi),嚴(yan)禁奢(she)(she)靡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)風(feng)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)在(zai)韓城(cheng)(cheng)期間,十分(fen)注重訪聽民(min)間疾(ji)苦(ku)和(he)風(feng)土(tu)人(ren)情。他(ta)“深(shen)山窮谷,足(zu)跡殆(dai)遍。”發(fa)現韓城(cheng)(cheng)習(xi)俗(su)(su)有(you)崇(chong)(chong)尚(shang)奢(she)(she)侈之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)風(feng),“相沿不(bu)(bu)止,勢(shi)且繁(fan)多。”特(te)(te)別是婚(hun)喪嫁(jia)娶方面禮(li)(li)數(shu)繁(fan)瑣,奢(she)(she)侈浪費(fei)(fei)(fei),一(yi)(yi)般百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)負(fu)擔(dan)(dan)不(bu)(bu)起。男(nan)女婚(hun)姻,女方專索(suo)厚聘,男(nan)方強(qiang)索(suo)妝奩,“以(yi)(yi)至富(fu)者(zhe)貧(pin),而(er)貧(pin)者(zhe)不(bu)(bu)能嫁(jia)女。生女則愁異(yi)日之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)費(fei)(fei)(fei),有(you)棄之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)(bu)育者(zhe)。”為(wei)死者(zhe)發(fa)喪,則流行大(da)擺酒(jiu)席、設(she)臺(tai)(tai)唱(chang)戲(xi),妄(wang)費(fei)(fei)(fei)甚(shen)多,以(yi)(yi)至于(yu)“父母病時不(bu)(bu)自憂其病,而(er)憂其子之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)無所費(fei)(fei)(fei)。人(ren)子遇喪,不(bu)(bu)一(yi)(yi)味哀痛(tong),反留心檢(jian)點諸費(fei)(fei)(fei),久而(er)不(bu)(bu)葬其親(qin)。”老(lao)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)結不(bu)(bu)起婚(hun)、埋不(bu)(bu)起死者(zhe),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)感嘆:“奢(she)(she)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)為(wei)害(hai),一(yi)(yi)至于(yu)此!”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)認為(wei),韓城(cheng)(cheng)災(zai)害(hai)頻發(fa),盜匪(fei)猖獗,不(bu)(bu)盡是“天數(shu)使(shi)然”,百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)奢(she)(she)僭之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)風(feng),也“皆足(zu)致(zhi)異(yi)”。為(wei)嚴(yan)禁奢(she)(she)靡,以(yi)(yi)挽(wan)風(feng)俗(su)(su),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)與地士紳共同(tong)努(nu)力,韓城(cheng)(cheng)民(min)風(feng)為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)(yi)變。崇(chong)(chong)禎九年(nian)(nian)(1636)七月(yue),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)發(fa)布了(le)著名的(de)(de)(de)(de)《崇(chong)(chong)儉(jian)(jian)書》告(gao)示,提出“以(yi)(yi)儉(jian)(jian)樸為(wei)風(feng)化之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)首”,明(ming)令(ling)限制和(he)禁止婚(hun)喪嫁(jia)娶中(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)種種奢(she)(she)糜風(feng)俗(su)(su)。他(ta)根據官宦、士庶各(ge)個(ge)階層不(bu)(bu)同(tong)經濟條件,對婚(hun)喪嫁(jia)娶的(de)(de)(de)(de)每個(ge)環節、每個(ge)細(xi)節都作了(le)質和(he)量(liang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)具體規定,婚(hun)禮(li)(li)、喪禮(li)(li)形成定式。同(tong)時規定,婚(hun)禮(li)(li)中(zhong)(zhong)禁止沿街擺列(lie)妝奩,以(yi)(yi)示夸耀;喪禮(li)(li)中(zhong)(zhong)不(bu)(bu)許(xu)擺酒(jiu)設(she)宴(yan)、搭臺(tai)(tai)作戲(xi)。除此之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)外,還對日常(chang)生活(huo)方面諸如居處、穿衣、戴帽、宴(yan)會(hui)、禮(li)(li)尚(shang)往來等作出量(liang)化從儉(jian)(jian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)細(xi)致(zhi)規定。為(wei)使(shi)各(ge)項(xiang)規定符合(he)習(xi)俗(su)(su)又切(qie)實可(ke)行,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)征(zheng)求(qiu)各(ge)階層的(de)(de)(de)(de)意見(jian),用了(le)三個(ge)月(yue)時間才(cai)得以(yi)(yi)定稿(gao),公示于(yu)眾,要求(qiu)縉紳士民(min)“各(ge)守其應得之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)分(fen)”,如有(you)違犯,“許(xu)鄉約(yue)鄰(lin)佑地方舉報”。因為(wei)這些措施事先征(zheng)求(qiu)了(le)各(ge)個(ge)階層的(de)(de)(de)(de)意見(jian),先在(zai)鄉紳中(zhong)(zhong)試行三個(ge)月(yue),之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)后順利地在(zai)全縣推開。大(da)戶(hu)人(ren)家婚(hun)喪嫁(jia)娶時率先遵守《崇(chong)(chong)儉(jian)(jian)書》的(de)(de)(de)(de)規定,一(yi)(yi)般百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)紛紛效(xiao)仿,社會(hui)風(feng)氣為(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)大(da)變。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)為(wei)韓城(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)生活(huo)作出了(le)影響后世幾百(bai)年(nian)(nian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)方向性設(she)計,大(da)大(da)減(jian)輕了(le)人(ren)民(min)的(de)(de)(de)(de)負(fu)擔(dan)(dan),受到(dao)廣(guang)大(da)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)特(te)(te)別是貧(pin)苦(ku)農民(min)的(de)(de)(de)(de)歡(huan)迎。三百(bai)多年(nian)(nian)過去(qu)了(le),《崇(chong)(chong)儉(jian)(jian)書》歷久彌新(xin),韓城(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)至今仍然遵守著左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)立下的(de)(de)(de)(de)很多規矩,早已成為(wei)傳統文化的(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)部分(fen)。
左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)還(huan)十分注重發(fa)展文化教(jiao)育(yu)事業,弘揚社會正氣。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城六(liu)(liu)年(nian)(nian),盡管兵(bing)荒馬亂,多災多難(nan),但左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)仍(reng)做出(chu)(chu)了(le)(le)(le)令人(ren)(ren)稱道的(de)(de)(de)(de)成績(ji)。崇禎七年(nian)(nian)(1634),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)充任陜西鄉(xiang)試考官,錄取(qu)了(le)(le)(le)11人(ren)(ren),韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城僅有(you)1人(ren)(ren)考上。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)受(shou)到(dao)(dao)很大觸動,內心(xin)(xin)深感不(bu)(bu)(bu)安,認為(wei)自(zi)己負(fu)有(you)責(ze)任。回(hui)到(dao)(dao)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城,左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)在(zai)全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)選拔優秀生員,成立“尊經(jing)(jing)社”,每月(yue)兩次(ci)親(qin)(qin)自(zi)到(dao)(dao)明倫堂講(jiang)解經(jing)(jing)書,學生常常“執經(jing)(jing)問難(nan)于前,竟日乃已。”左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)(de)(de)努力(li)取(qu)得(de)了(le)(le)(le)實效。三年(nian)(nian)后(hou)(hou),陜西鄉(xiang)試中(zhong)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城有(you)8人(ren)(ren)中(zhong)舉,全(quan)部是(shi)“尊經(jing)(jing)社”的(de)(de)(de)(de)學生。《韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城縣(xian)(xian)志》載:“韓(han)(han)(han)(han)人(ren)(ren)知(zhi)(zhi)通經(jing)(jing)學古自(zi)公始。丙子登(deng)科者八人(ren)(ren),皆社中(zhong)士,其余澤也。”“由(you)是(shi)捷書蟬聯(lian),至(zhi)今為(wei)國家楨者,先生開(kai)之(zhi)(zhi)也。”韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城崇文重教(jiao)之(zhi)(zhi)風興(xing)起(qi),人(ren)(ren)才輩出(chu)(chu),有(you)的(de)(de)(de)(de)成為(wei)棟梁之(zhi)(zhi)才。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)不(bu)(bu)(bu)僅開(kai)重教(jiao)之(zhi)(zhi)風,還(huan)十分注重宣揚社會正氣。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)有(you)“東海(hai)孝(xiao)子”之(zhi)(zhi)名(ming),曾為(wei)父(fu)親(qin)(qin)守孝(xiao)三年(nian)(nian),因父(fu)親(qin)(qin)葬在(zai)蘿(luo)石(shi)山(shan)上,遂自(zi)號(hao)蘿(luo)石(shi),終身不(bu)(bu)(bu)忘(wang)父(fu)親(qin)(qin)養育(yu)之(zhi)(zhi)恩(en)。在(zai)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城不(bu)(bu)(bu)僅自(zi)己侍奉母親(qin)(qin)起(qi)居盡心(xin)(xin)盡力(li),無微不(bu)(bu)(bu)至(zhi),還(huan)重刻《孝(xiao)經(jing)(jing)》一(yi)書,號(hao)召百姓(xing)講(jiang)究孝(xiao)道,懂得(de)孝(xiao)親(qin)(qin)大義(yi)。有(you)一(yi)縣(xian)(xian)民(min)因犯事被押到(dao)(dao)縣(xian)(xian)衙,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)聽說他(ta)(ta)家里尚有(you)老母需要(yao)侍候,即放回(hui)。久(jiu)之(zhi)(zhi),不(bu)(bu)(bu)免有(you)人(ren)(ren)作假。懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)說:我并(bing)非不(bu)(bu)(bu)知(zhi)(zhi)道,但是(shi)從長(chang)遠來(lai)看,孝(xiao)親(qin)(qin)之(zhi)(zhi)風興(xing)起(qi),所得(de)必多啊(a)。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城有(you)程(cheng)氏(shi)妻燕氏(shi),面對盜賊的(de)(de)(de)(de)利刃毫不(bu)(bu)(bu)畏懼,以(yi)身護住婆母,“賊感其孝(xiao),舍(she)之(zhi)(zhi)而去。”懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)得(de)知(zhi)(zhi),立即上奏朝廷,請求旌表。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城芝川為(wei)宋代太師張升故里,張升為(wei)官耿(geng)直(zhi),懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)作詩贊(zan)揚他(ta)(ta):“吾想君(jun)子直(zhi),亭(ting)亭(ting)山(shan)上松。”左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)整修(xiu)司馬遷(qian)墓(mu),撰寫《祭司馬子長(chang)文》,贊(zan)其豐功(gong)偉(wei)績(ji)。又修(xiu)繕蘇(su)(su)武(wu)(wu)墓(mu),撰寫《新漢(han)典(dian)屬國蘇(su)(su)子卿墓(mu)垣記》,對蘇(su)(su)武(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)節(jie)操給予了(le)(le)(le)極高評價。修(xiu)建白(bai)公祠(ci),歌頌白(bai)居易關心(xin)(xin)民(min)生疾苦的(de)(de)(de)(de)情(qing)懷。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)(de)(de)這(zhe)些做法(fa),向社會傳達了(le)(le)(le)純正良好(hao)的(de)(de)(de)(de)風氣。尤其是(shi)蘇(su)(su)武(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)精神(shen),對左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)本人(ren)(ren)影響很深,為(wei)他(ta)(ta)出(chu)(chu)使清廷不(bu)(bu)(bu)屈殉國埋下了(le)(le)(le)伏筆。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)治理韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城的(de)(de)(de)(de)六(liu)(liu)年(nian)(nian),時間不(bu)(bu)(bu)長(chang),但政績(ji)斐然,展示(shi)了(le)(le)(le)出(chu)(chu)色(se)的(de)(de)(de)(de)理政才能。他(ta)(ta)深知(zhi)(zhi)職責(ze)所在(zai),心(xin)(xin)系百姓(xing),體察(cha)民(min)情(qing),換(huan)來(lai)了(le)(le)(le)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城人(ren)(ren)民(min)的(de)(de)(de)(de)普遍擁戴,人(ren)(ren)們(men)把他(ta)(ta)與司馬遷(qian)、蘇(su)(su)武(wu)(wu)、郭子儀(yi)、白(bai)居易并(bing)稱為(wei)“禹(yu)門五(wu)賢”。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城歷史(shi)上先后(hou)(hou)建有(you)十座杰出(chu)(chu)名(ming)人(ren)(ren)祠(ci),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)占了(le)(le)(le)兩座,一(yi)處左(zuo)公祠(ci),一(yi)處蘿(luo)石(shi)祠(ci);韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城名(ming)宦祠(ci)里供奉十位先賢,左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)又是(shi)其中(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)一(yi),可見左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)在(zai)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城人(ren)(ren)心(xin)(xin)目中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)崇高地(di)位。
3、其他記載
崇禎三年(nian)(nian)(1630年(nian)(nian)),左懋第(di)鄉(xiang)試中山東(dong)第(di)二(er)名舉(ju)人(ren),次(ci)年(nian)(nian)中進士。懋第(di)任陜(shan)西韓城令,崇禎十(shi)二(er)年(nian)(nian)(1639年(nian)(nian))官戶科給事中,上書提出(chu)時局有四(si)弊:民窮、兵(bing)弱、臣(chen)工推諉、國計虛耗。升太常(chang)寺正卿,右僉都御史。十(shi)四(si)年(nian)(nian),督催漕運,道中馳疏(shu)言:“臣(chen)自(zi)靜海抵臨清,見人(ren)民饑死者(zhe)三,疫死者(zhe)三,為盜(dao)者(zhe)四(si)。米石銀二(er)十(shi)四(si)兩,人(ren)死取(qu)以食。惟(wei)圣明垂念。”崇禎十(shi)六年(nian)(nian)(1643年(nian)(nian))秋,出(chu)巡長(chang)江(jiang)防務,不久(jiu)北(bei)都淪陷,其母(mu)陳氏絕食而死。
清(qing)兵(bing)入關,左(zuo)懋第被(bei)任為兵(bing)部(bu)右侍郎兼右僉都御史,以陳洪范、馬紹愉為副使,前往(wang)北(bei)京,通好議和。
左懋(mao)(mao)第開始時(shi)(shi)反對(dui)議(yi)(yi)(yi)和(he)(he),極力(li)主(zhu)戰,并請求撥給他(ta)人(ren)馬,以(yi)收復失地,恢(hui)(hui)復大明江山.但未(wei)獲批準。繼而他(ta)又拒絕出(chu)使(shi)議(yi)(yi)(yi)和(he)(he),請求安宗(zong)皇帝(di)改派他(ta)人(ren)出(chu)使(shi),也(ye)(ye)未(wei)被接受(shou)。左懋(mao)(mao)第深織(zhi)赴(fu)京(jing)議(yi)(yi)(yi)和(he)(he),如同與虎謀(mou)皮,希(xi)望(wang)渺茫(mang),但君命難(nan)違,只能照辦。臨行前,他(ta)力(li)勸安宗(zong)皇帝(di)“時(shi)(shi)時(shi)(shi)以(yi)先帝(di)之(zhi)仇、北都(dou)之(zhi)恥(chi)為(wei)(wei)(wei)念”, “勿以(yi)北行為(wei)(wei)(wei)和(he)(he)議(yi)(yi)(yi)必(bi)成,勿以(yi)和(he)(he)成為(wei)(wei)(wei)足(zu)恃”。提醒南明王朝不要期望(wang)和(he)(he)議(yi)(yi)(yi)一定能成功,即(ji)使(shi)議(yi)(yi)(yi)和(he)(he)成功,也(ye)(ye)不一定是可以(yi)信賴的,主(zhu)張以(yi)武力(li)保(bao)平安。“夫能渡河(he)而戰,始能扼河(he)而守,必(bi)能扼河(he)面守,始能畫江而安.’強調以(yi)天下(xia)為(wei)(wei)(wei)重,以(yi)恥(chi)仇為(wei)(wei)(wei)念,以(yi)淪陷之(zhi)民為(wei)(wei)(wei)憂,要整軍傷兵,以(yi)田恢(hui)(hui)復大業(ye)。
左懋第對北(bei)行議和的危(wei)險也深有預料。他在一封信中說,
“懋第此行(xing),是懋第死日也。”立志要“效宋之文天樣”,“留正氣于千古(gu)。”
崇(chong)禎十(shi)七(qi)年十(shi)月(yue)初,揩二(er)副使及(ji)隨(sui)從百(bai)余人至北京張家(jia)灣,住進(jin)鴻(hong)臚寺。懋(mao)第在鴻(hong)臚寺陳設太(tai)牢,率(lv)隨(sui)員(yuan)北面哭祭三日。十(shi)月(yue)二(er)十(shi)七(qi)日多(duo)爾袞釋放(fang)左懋(mao)第南歸(gui)。左等走出永定門,馮詮勸多(duo)爾袞不(bu)要“放(fang)虎歸(gui)山”,十(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)月(yue)十(shi)四日多(duo)爾袞遣百(bai)騎在滄州追回(hui),被(bei)扣留在北京太(tai)醫院,墻上(shang)遍布荊棘,自言(yan):“生為明(ming)臣(chen),死為明(ming)鬼(gui),我志也。”為了擊退清王朝的利(li)誘勸降,他寫了“生為大(da)明(ming)忠(zhong)臣(chen),死為大(da)明(ming)忠(zhong)鬼(gui)”的對聯貼在門上(shang)。一(yi)(yi)(yi)則(ze)明(ming)志,一(yi)(yi)(yi)則(ze)堵勸降說客之(zhi)口。他還畫了一(yi)(yi)(yi)幅蘇武牧羊畫像,掛在墻上(shang)以自勵。
弘光元年閏六月十五日(ri)頒(ban)布剃發令,隨員艾大(da)選遵旨薙(ti)發,懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)將其亂棍打死(si),清(qing)廷前來(lai)(lai)責問(wen)(wen)(wen),懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)曰:“吾自(zi)行我法,殺(sha)我人,與(yu)若何(he)預?”清(qing)廷設(she)“太(tai)平(ping)宴”宴請,懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)拒食。又遣(qian)洪(hong)承疇前來(lai)(lai)說降(jiang),左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)說:“此(ci)鬼也。洪(hong)督師在松山(shan)死(si)節,先帝(di)賜祭九壇(tan),今日(ri)安得(de)更生?”洪(hong)承疇慚(can)愧而(er)退。李建泰又來(lai)(lai)勸(quan)降(jiang),左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)怒斥說:“老奴尚在?先帝(di)寵餞,勒(le)兵剿賊,既不殉(xun)國(guo),又失身焉,何(he)面目見我?”左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)又責問(wen)(wen)(wen)勸(quan)降(jiang)的堂兄(xiong)弟左懋(mao)(mao)泰:“此(ci)非吾弟也?”隨之(zhi)將其叱離。多(duo)爾袞大(da)怒,親(qin)自(zi)提審懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di),懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)直立不跪(gui)。當問(wen)(wen)(wen)道:“你為何(he)不肯剃頭(tou)?”左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)回答:“頭(tou)可(ke)斷(duan),發不可(ke)斷(duan)!”金之(zhi)俊勸(quan)他:“先生何(he)不知興廢!”左懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)針鋒相對答道:“汝(ru)何(he)不知羞(xiu)恥(chi)!”多(duo)爾袞知其不可(ke)降(jiang),閏六月十九日(ri),命左右推出宣武(wu)門外菜市(shi)口處死(si)。
臨刑時,左(zuo)懋第南向再拜說:“臣等(deng)(deng)事大明之心盡(jin)矣(yi)。”有(you)絕(jue)命詩:“峽坼巢(chao)封歸路(lu)迥,片(pian)云南下意如何;丹忱碧(bi)血(xue)消難(nan)盡(jin),蕩作寒煙總(zong)不磨。”隨員(yuan)陳用極(ji)、王(wang)一斌、張良佐、王(wang)廷佐、劉統等(deng)(deng)人皆不屈而死(si)。
左(zuo)懋第著有《梅花屋(wu)詩抄》一卷,《蘿石山房文(wen)抄》四(si)卷,《左(zuo)忠貞公(gong)剩(sheng)稿》四(si)卷。
《姜烈士正芳傳(chuan)》作者:左 懋(mao) 第
姜(jiang)正芳(fang)(fang),邑人(ren),居邑西北(bei)五(wu)里(li)許〔指(zhi)今(jin)(jin)柏林(lin)莊鎮(zhen)小埠頂村(cun)〕。少有力,能弓矢及劍。值海(hai)上備倭,應(ying)登州壯士募,欲(yu)殺賊立功名。后事已,罷歸農。軀長健勇而(er)樸誠,好解斗。有兄弟十年(nian)訟者(zhe)(zhe),合之無(wu)異詞(ci)。又知書,時(shi)說(shuo)(shuo)古今(jin)(jin)成(cheng)敗事,髯(ran)眉為動。崇禎二年(nian)己巳,年(nian)已六十。際〔遇〕董大成(cheng)〔今(jin)(jin)屬柏林(lin)莊鎮(zhen)劉(liu)家(jia)疃村(cun)人(ren)〕亂(luan)(luan)。大成(cheng)亦(yi)邑人(ren),恃(shi)勇好亂(luan)(luan)敗產,多結(jie)惡(e)少。會妖賊李〔指(zhi)傳白(bai)蓮教的李盛明〕,不(bu)知何(he)地人(ren),能術煽齊民,成(cheng)陰(yin)受約為從〔大成(cheng)暗(an)地里(li)接受他的密約,跟從他造(zao)反(fan)〕。有招遠許湯,殺催(cui)稅隸叛據(ju)腰(yao)山〔今(jin)(jin)稱窯山,在譚格莊鎮(zhen)北(bei)〕。成(cheng)與湯夙盟,疑不(bu)定(ding),遂出城散徒(tu)掠人(ren)為盜(dao),三日,得(de)(de)三千人(ren)。聚邑西劉(liu)家(jia)莊,待與俱東去(qu)。芳(fang)(fang)居西南一里(li),成(cheng)率騎(qi)至其家(jia)。芳(fang)(fang)不(bu)避,為開陳(chen)大難(nan), 不(bu)易發,當早寢〔早早停息(xi)〕。不(bu)應(ying),反(fan)迫與俱。芳(fang)(fang)度〔考慮〕其黨已發,不(bu)可說(shuo)(shuo),又徒(tu)死無(wu)益,佯(yang)應(ying)之。且紿〔音(yin)迨,同詒,欺騙(pian)〕之曰(yue):汝事舉三余日矣,官軍(jun)得(de)(de)無(wu)知者(zhe)(zhe)?三千人(ren)而(er)抱頭聚,若(ruo)軍(jun)至,何(he)以應(ying)?成(cheng)曰(yue):奈(nai)何(he)?芳(fang)(fang)教以分為五(wu),皆里(li)許隔,變可相(xiang)聞(wen)。賊從之。日暮,果(guo)分為五(wu),北(bei)者(zhe)(zhe)近芳(fang)(fang)居,賊腹心(xin)則居中(zhong)。
十(shi)一(yi)月(yue)廿(nian)三夜(ye),晦〔天黑〕不(bu)見(jian)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)。芳喜(xi),潛(qian)至(zhi)其(qi)東(dong)南西(xi),皆語曰:官兵至(zhi)矣,吾儕chai〔我(wo)等(deng)〕皆良人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren),今無(wu)死所。如聞戰斗聲(sheng),宜各為(wei)(wei)計。掠人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)〔被掠之人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)〕皆惶迫(po),不(bu)知所為(wei)(wei)。芳因(yin)(yin)至(zhi)中語曰:官軍已至(zhi)〔大(da)(da)成〕村后矣,宜力敵勿(wu)怠。大(da)(da)成及諸腹心俱鹵(lu)騃(ai)〔癡愚,鹵(lu),通(tong)魯。騃(ai),音(yin)似〕,不(bu)知兵。皆懼而強(qiang)諾焉(yan)。芳又(you)說其(qi)北近居者(zhe)曰:官軍自南來,汝(ru)等(deng)宜大(da)(da)呼(hu)示人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)眾,至(zhi)便梃(ting)擊無(wu)失(shi)。亦(yi)應曰:諾。因(yin)(yin)大(da)(da)呼(hu),居中者(zhe)聞呼(hu)亦(yi)大(da)(da)呼(hu)。引人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)北向,梃(ting)相接(jie)溷〔混亂〕擊焉(yan)。其(qi)東(dong)南西(xi)聞呼(hu)及戰斗聲(sheng),大(da)(da)恐,亦(yi)大(da)(da)呼(hu),盡逃(tao)去戰。賊聞呼(hu)亦(yi)亂。逮〔等(deng)到(dao)〕辨聲(sheng)諗為(wei)(wei)芳計,而成已偕從董平馳騎遁東(dong)埠(bu)。尋而告(gao)語之,怒回(hui)呼(hu)芳。芳應之途曰:我(wo)為(wei)(wei)汝(ru)練兵耳。成曰:汝(ru)亂吾兵,何練為(wei)(wei)?芳曰:汝(ru)新集兵不(bu)可戰, 試恐以官軍走(zou)矣,況(kuang)親至(zhi)者(zhe)乎(hu)?欲圖事
須入(ru)與我(wo)謀(mou)。因(yin)延至其(qi)(qi)家。成與眾賊因(yin)人(ren)多逃,皆(jie)搖亂無定(ding)見,遂信之(zhi)。芳欲堅其(qi)(qi)入(ru)〔堅定(ding)其(qi)(qi)進入(ru)之(zhi)決心〕,曰:兵未散者,尚五六百人(ren),可駐我(wo)門前,但(dan)腹心入(ru)與謀(mou)。成遂及其(qi)(qi)腹心六七人(ren)入(ru)。芳為設坐,具燈火(huo)笑曰:俱饑(ji)矣(yi),我(wo)具食。
芳(fang)三(san)子(zi),長別居;次渭(wei)(wei)經,抱布貿;渭(wei)(wei)明(ming),嫁花(hua)草竹木以(yi)(yi)生(sheng)。時長子(zi)之(zhi)(zhi)子(zi)春在(zai)焉。芳(fang)出屬〔通(tong)囑〕經視前(qian)門,明(ming)視后門。矯〔假(jia)傳〕賊(zei)令,勿使一人(ren)入。屬其孫從(cong)之(zhi)(zhi)〔囑咐他的孫子(zi)跟從(cong)他〕。孫問所(suo)以(yi)(yi),芳(fang)曰(yue):賊(zei)入我彀中(zhong)矣。待(dai)就(jiu)食(shi)(shi),我從(cong)旁斫(zhuo)董(dong)賊(zei)死(si)。我雖老尚(shang)健,可(ke)抵三(san)四人(ren)。魁(kui)死(si)〔頭目(mu)(mu)死(si)〕,余鳥(niao)獸散,不足(zu)畏(wei)即不幸為賊(zei)殺,舉家以(yi)(yi)良百姓。殺賊(zei)死(si),不愈(yu)于作賊(zei)死(si)乎?汝勿語(yu)諸(zhu)婦人(ren),但促具食(shi)(shi)。芳(fang)因入, 酌酒董(dong)賊(zei)前(qian)又遍酌諸(zhu)腹心,以(yi)(yi)麥(mai)湯飲之(zhi)(zhi)。成(cheng)等皆就(jiu)食(shi)(shi),惟(wei)一賊(zei)魯東明(ming)者不食(shi)(shi),持鐵叉(cha)立成(cheng)傍(bang)目(mu)(mu)芳(fang)。芳(fang)疑之(zhi)(zhi),因自思(si)曰(yue):過此瞬恐(kong)無及(ji),吾當并斫(zhuo)之(zhi)(zhi)。因取其衣下(xia)藏(zang)刀斫(zhuo)大成(cheng),未及(ji)。東明(ming)格之(zhi)(zhi),錚有(you)聲(sheng)。大成(cheng)驚拔(ba)佩刀起應之(zhi)(zhi)。
諸(zhu)賊(zei)舍食起拔刀(dao)。芳知(zhi)不濟,持刀(dao)趨出(chu)門,呼(hu)(hu):馬安在?得賊(zei)馬聳乘之。大(da)呼(hu)(hu)曰:人或逆我〔誰如阻(zu)止我〕,死(si)矣(yi)。于是群賊(zei)隨出(chu)大(da)呼(hu)(hu)曰:圍之勿令走。門前(qian)諸(zhu)賊(zei)圍之數(shu)匝。芳力斫,殺三四人。馳數(shu)十步,群矛(mao)環刺焉,遂墜馬被(bei)(bei)縛(fu)。賊(zei)乃入收其家當。堂(tang)中(zhong)亂,婦(fu)女多走。時賊(zei)約不掠,婦(fu)女多混(hun)鄰(lin)居以(yi)免。其長孫(sun)亦(yi)走免。惟渭經、渭明(ming)被(bei)(bei)執,孫(sun)三人亂殺死(si)。盡焚其廬舍。
大成以(yi)兵(bing)環〔包圍〕芳并其子(zi),罵曰(yue):汝(ru)何為計(ji)殺(sha)我?芳曰(yue):殺(sha)汝(ru)不中,命也。但早死耳。賊(zei)怒,罵曰(yue):何易求死,命取水灌三人(ren)(ren),寒凍之(zhi)(zhi)。群刺以(yi)矛,體無完(wan)膚(fu),遂(sui)刳(ku)心剖腸。終(zhong)無餒詞〔始終(zhong)沒有屈服〕。芳既死,賊(zei)眾(zhong)漸集,又遣人(ren)(ren)分(fen)掠得(de)千(qian)(qian)人(ren)(ren)。廿四(si)日,遂(sui)攻邑城(cheng)(cheng)。廿五日又攻,皆不克。后遂(sui)益賊(zei)至五千(qian)(qian)人(ren)(ren),圍城(cheng)(cheng)焚(fen)外(wai)關。十(shi)二月,登兵(bing)〔登州府之(zhi)(zhi)兵(bing)〕至,與(yu)戰,賊(zei)敗走。追殺(sha)平之(zhi)(zhi)。大成同左龍西皆走出(chu)。至蒙(meng)陰縣(xian),典史(shi)王擒殺(sha)之(zhi)(zhi),梟其首,傳之(zhi)(zhi)邑懸示(shi)(shi)〔懸首示(shi)(shi)眾(zhong)〕焉。典史(shi),山海關人(ren)(ren)。
左(zuo)子(zi)曰:董賊(zei)(zei)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)變,余(yu)(yu)時為諸生。聞有賊(zei)(zei),士民皆(jie)乘城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。賊(zei)(zei)方(fang)駐西埠外(wai),久不(bu)來(lai)攻(gong)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。至夜聞眾(zhong)呼聲,城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)者曰:賊(zei)(zei)其(qi)有恐與(yu),不(bu)知芳之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)為也。芳以(yi)(yi)野老,未(wei)沾大(da)官(guan)斗米,而(er)散(san)賊(zei)(zei)殺(sha)(sha)賊(zei)(zei),以(yi)(yi)必死謀(mou)賊(zei)(zei),何(he)烈也。韓愈論張許:守一(yi)(yi)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)捍天下(xia),以(yi)(yi)千百(bai)就盡(jin)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)卒(zu),戰(zhan)百(bai)萬方(fang)滋(zi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)寇,蔽遮江淮(huai),阻遏其(qi)勢(shi)(shi)。天下(xia)不(bu)亡,其(qi)誰之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)功(gong)?余(yu)(yu)謂萊陽門(men)未(wei)及,土賊(zei)(zei)乘新集(ji)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)勢(shi)(shi),卒(zu)薄城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)下(xia),事未(wei)可知。夜散(san)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),殺(sha)(sha)其(qi)勢(shi)(shi)而(er)緩其(qi)攻(gong),以(yi)(yi)益〔增加〕城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)中一(yi)(yi)日之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)備,遂得獲奸內(nei)靖,眾(zhong)志鼓(gu)厲。萊陽不(bu)亡,不(bu)可謂非芳之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)功(gong)。事雖小,大(da)懸(xuan)殊:愈〔韓愈〕之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)言益信夫。余(yu)(yu)嘗(chang)(chang)拜其(qi)墓,見(jian)三墳為之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)流(liu)涕(ti)。因過其(qi)門(men):廬舍皆(jie)燼(jin)。孫(sun)十四人,賊(zei)(zei)殺(sha)(sha)其(qi)三,余(yu)(yu)者皆(jie)垢敝。妻(qi)王(wang)年(nian)六十余(yu)(yu),依墻(qiang)結茅以(yi)(yi)居。乘軒者〔即當(dang)官(guan)的。軒,古代高官(guan)乘坐(zuo)的一(yi)(yi)種有圍棚或帷幕的車〕未(wei)嘗(chang)(chang)一(yi)(yi)問,匹夫之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)節,不(bu)亦(yi)悲乎?
左(zuo)懋第為人正直,敢于直言進(jin)諫(jian)。崇禎年間,大明矛(mao)盾重(zhong)重(zhong)、危(wei)機四伏,陷(xian)入內外交困之(zhi)中,內有李自成農民(min)軍縱橫半天(tian)下(xia),外有清兵(bing)屢次入侵,邊(bian)防破敗,天(tian)災頻仍(reng),三餉加派,竭盡民(min)脂,吏治(zhi)腐(fu)朽,民(min)不聊生。統治(zhi)集團內部爭(zheng)權(quan)奪(duo)利。身為朝廷(ting)言官的左(zuo)懋第憂心如焚(fen),他屢次上疏,針(zhen)砭(bian)時弊,提出救國(guo)救民(min)之(zhi)策,為朝野(ye)所(suo)矚目(mu)。
左懋第從民(min)族利益(yi)出發,多次(ci)向當政者提出治(zhi)(zhi)國的正確主(zhu)張。左懋第被(bei)擢升為(wei)戶科給事中后,尖銳指斥民(min)窮、兵弱、臣工(gong)推(tui)諉、國計虛耗這四種時弊,提醒(xing)明王(wang)朝加以(yi)解(jie)決。為(wei)減輕(qing)勞(lao)動人民(min)的負擔,緩和階(jie)級(ji)矛盾,以(yi)有利于鞏固封建統治(zhi)(zhi),較好地進行(xing)與崛起于關(guan)外的滿族的民(min)族斗(dou)爭,他屢次(ci)上書奏請納(na)監(jian)、出錢(qian)贖罪(zui)、廣開財源,行(xing)平倉法、監(jian)法及減輕(qing)賦稅,輸粟邊塞、以(yi)充軍糧。
后來(lai),左懋第又改任(ren)刑科給事中,仍(reng)不斷提出(chu)減輕人民負(fu)擔的奏請。
初入諫垣,左懋(mao)第(di)(di)便上疏要(yao)求停止(zhi)三(san)(san)餉(xiang)加(jia)派,在他(ta)和其他(ta)大臣的(de)苦諫下,崇(chong)(chong)禎十(shi)三(san)(san)年(1640年),崇(chong)(chong)禎帝宣布停征(zheng)剿(jiao)餉(xiang)。左懋(mao)第(di)(di)請馬上公告天(tian)下,免(mian)得(de)地(di)方開征(zheng),小民(min)不得(de)實惠,崇(chong)(chong)禎帝采納了(le)他(ta)的(de)建(jian)議。當年三(san)(san)月,北京(jing)大風(feng)不止(zhi),左懋(mao)第(di)(di)又借天(tian)變上言,直陳時政缺失。他(ta)指出:朝廷雖然數次下詔減(jian)兵省(sheng)餉(xiang),但小民(min)卻日(ri)困一日(ri)。原因在于朝廷免(mian)征(zheng),而地(di)方催(cui)征(zheng),貪(tan)官污吏借機中飽(bao)私囊(nang)。欲(yu)除此(ci)弊,必須公開各地(di)征(zheng)賦(fu)之數,讓小民(min)明白,使貪(tan)官無(wu)法作奸(jian)。停征(zheng)的(de)加(jia)賦(fu),必須嚴令(ling)各地(di)實行,不許各級層層追(zhui)加(jia),這樣才能使皇帝的(de)恩惠潤澤萬(wan)民(min)。崇(chong)(chong)禎帝很贊賞他(ta)的(de)建(jian)議,下令(ling)免(mian)掉(diao)上災七(qi)十(shi)五(wu)州縣新(xin)、舊(jiu)、練三(san)(san)餉(xiang),中災六十(shi)八州縣新(xin)、舊(jiu)二(er)餉(xiang),下災三(san)(san)十(shi)八州縣三(san)(san)餉(xiang)緩(huan)征(zheng)。
崇禎十四年(1641年),左懋第奉命督辦(ban)漕運,即督辦(ban)自(zi)江南(nan)沿運河向(xiang)京城運送糧食。當時(shi)江南(nan)發(fa)(fa)生饑(ji)荒,遍地(di)餓(e)殍,饑(ji)民(min)的(de)反抗時(shi)有發(fa)(fa)生。從統治階級的(de)整體(ti)利益(yi)出發(fa)(fa),左懋第多次向(xiang)崇楨皇帝上(shang)書,請求放糧贍(shan)災。并發(fa)(fa)出了(le)“贍(shan)救安(an)可不變”的(de)呼吁(yu),為(wei)民(min)請命。當時(shi)明(ming)王朝兵連禍結。國庫(ku)空虛,民(min)族矛(mao)盾和(he)階級矛(mao)盾空前激(ji)烈(lie),內外交(jiao)困,處(chu)于風雨飄(piao)搖之中,左懋第的(de)意見未被采納。
崇禎十六(liu)年(1643年)秋,左懋第出巡長江防務。尚未返京。
明朝(chao)(chao)末年,國家內(nei)憂外(wai)患,危機四(si)伏,大(da)廈將(jiang)傾(qing),萊陽進士左懋第(di)卻登(deng)上(shang)了(le)人生最壯美(mei)的(de)舞臺。他(ta)治理韓城(cheng),政績優異,考選欽(qin)定第(di)一,由知縣擢(zhuo)升(sheng)朝(chao)(chao)中擔任要(yao)職,成為(wei)崇禎皇(huang)帝信任的(de)股肱(gong)之臣。崇禎甲申清兵入關,國難當(dang)頭,他(ta)挺身(shen)而出,與攝(she)政王多爾袞唇槍舌(she)劍,堅決維護大(da)明尊嚴。面對酷刑和(he)威逼利誘(you),他(ta)寧作大(da)明鬼,不當(dang)清朝(chao)(chao)王,成為(wei)比肩文天(tian)祥的(de)民族英(ying)雄。
清乾隆四十(shi)一年(1776年)欽(qin)定殉節錄,賜專謚“忠貞(zhen)”,祀本邑鄉賢、韓城名宦(huan)祠,萊陽(yang)又(you)建左公(gong)祠,春秋次丁致祭。韓城人建祠與漢代的蘇武并(bing)祀。
左(zuo)懋(mao)第墓(mu)位于山東省煙臺(tai)市(shi)萊(lai)陽市(shi)沐(mu)浴店鎮北旺村東北左(zuo)家瑩,距村約700米,該墓(mu)原葬地在柏(bo)林(lin)莊(zhuang)鎮東南(nan)方向羅石頂上。1952年(nian)部(bu)(bu)隊營房建設時其(qi)后裔(yi)將(jiang)此(ci)墓(mu)遷至該處左(zuo)姓(xing)居住(zhu)的(de)北旺村左(zuo)家瑩內。墓(mu)區有(you)墓(mu)冢3座成(cheng)品字形排(pai)列(lie),懋(mao)第墓(mu)立龍頭碑陰刻“恩(en)寵”二字,乾隆41年(nian)追謚“忠貞(zhen)”,贈禮部(bu)(bu)尚書,墓(mu)志是清嘉慶(qing)十(shi)二年(nian)(1808年(nian))敕授文林(lin)郎萊(lai)陽知縣延君壽敬題的(de),由左(zuo)氏五(wu)世孫(sun)寅文立石。
左公(gong)祠建于(yu)康熙四十年(nian)(nian)(1701年(nian)(nian)),山(shan)東學政僉事徐炯主(zhu)持,在(zai)萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)修建左公(gong)祠,萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)人(ren)踴躍捐款,贊襄其事。乾隆十五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(1750年(nian)(nian)),萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)知縣郝大倫重修左公(gong)祠。位于(yu)今天萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)工人(ren)文化宮西(xi)(xi)側,七星街(jie)東側。祠堂整(zheng)個院落占(zhan)地約10畝。大門朝(chao)西(xi)(xi),有三間(jian)正殿,客房(fang)(fang)三間(jian),雜房(fang)(fang)三間(jian),裙房(fang)(fang)10余間(jian)。左公(gong)祠在(zai)他做知縣的山(shan)西(xi)(xi)韓城有一座,與(yu)萊(lai)(lai)陽(yang)祠相似。