人物生平
燕亡入秦
慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)年紀還沒到(dao)二十歲，身高就(jiu)已經八尺二寸，身姿體貌很魁(kui)偉，額頭上有(you)(you)中央隆起的(de)(de)(de)半月形重紋。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)博覽群書，性情清高謹慎，多才(cai)多藝。前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)景昭帝慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)儁(jun)繼位(wei)時，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)被封(feng)(feng)為(wei)梁公，歷任幽州刺(ci)史、左衛將軍(jun)。到(dao)了前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)幽帝慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐繼位(wei)時，改封(feng)(feng)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)為(wei)范陽王，漸漸升遷為(wei)魏(wei)尹(yin)，加授(shou)散(san)騎常侍。不久，前(qian)(qian)秦苻(fu)(fu)堅(jian)(jian)的(de)(de)(de)將領(ling)苻(fu)(fu)雙占據陜地反叛，苻(fu)(fu)堅(jian)(jian)的(de)(de)(de)將領(ling)苻(fu)(fu)柳(liu)在(zai)枹罕起兵(bing)準備接應(ying)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)勸慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐乘(cheng)機討(tao)伐苻(fu)(fu)堅(jian)(jian)，言(yan)辭(ci)慷(kang)慨，有(you)(you)識之(zhi)士(shi)說(shuo)他(ta)有(you)(you)遠大的(de)(de)(de)謀略。但(dan)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐始終沒能采用。墓容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)的(de)(de)(de)哥(ge)哥(ge)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂很賞(shang)識他(ta)，于是和(he)(he)(he)他(ta)共同商(shang)議軍(jun)國大事，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)的(de)(de)(de)意見(jian)極為(wei)切當。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂說(shuo)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)度量(liang)見(jian)識大有(you)(you)長(chang)進，并(bing)把他(ta)比(bi)作東吳的(de)(de)(de)呂蒙。太(tai)(tai)和(he)(he)(he)四年（369年），在(zai)枋頭之(zhi)戰中，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)以征南將軍(jun)身份和(he)(he)(he)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂一(yi)起打敗了東晉的(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)隊。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂投奔苻(fu)(fu)堅(jian)(jian)時，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)因受牽連被免(mian)職。太(tai)(tai)和(he)(he)(he)五(wu)年（370年），前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)被苻(fu)(fu)堅(jian)(jian)所滅，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)(de)等被遷到(dao)長(chang)安，苻(fu)(fu)堅(jian)(jian)任命他(ta)為(wei)張掖(ye)太(tai)(tai)守，數年以后免(mian)職回(hui)家。
苻堅(jian)率領軍(jun)隊(dui)到達臨江(jiang)時(shi)(shi)，授(shou)任慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)為(wei)奮威將(jiang)軍(jun)。苻堅(jian)失敗(bai)時(shi)(shi)，苻堅(jian)和張夫(fu)人走(zou)散，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)準備護衛送回她，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)對慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)嚴肅(su)地(di)說：“從前(qian)楚莊王(wang)滅掉陳(chen)國，采納(na)巫(wu)臣(chen)的(de)諫言拋棄夏姬。這種(zhong)不(bu)祥之人，蠱惑人主，戰爭的(de)時(shi)(shi)候不(bu)接近女人，前(qian)秦(qin)軍(jun)隊(dui)的(de)失敗(bai)就是因(yin)為(wei)這個緣故。最好是視(shi)而(er)不(bu)見走(zou)過(guo)去，為(wei)什么(me)還準備護衛她！”慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)不(bu)聽，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)騎馬(ma)離開(kai)了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)。回來以后(hou)屯駐在滎陽，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)對慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)說：“從前(qian)越王(wang)勾踐寄居在會稽，最終得到了吳國。圣人相時(shi)(shi)而(er)動(dong)，所有的(de)舉動(dong)都(dou)考慮周到，百無(wu)一失。老(lao)天追悔它所造成的(de)禍亂(luan)，所以讓秦(qin)軍(jun)失敗(bai)，理應乘著他(ta)們(men)的(de)失敗(bai)復興江(jiang)山社(she)稷。”慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)不(bu)采納(na)他(ta)的(de)話。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)便跟隨慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂到了鄴城(cheng)。
輔佐后燕
太元九年（384年），慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)(chui)(chui)叛秦(qin)復國(guo)，建(jian)立后燕(yan)，任命慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)為(wei)(wei)(wei)車騎(qi)大將軍(jun)(jun)，復封為(wei)(wei)(wei)范陽王(wang)，居中鎮守護衛，參預決斷(duan)(duan)政事(shi)。很(hen)久以(yi)后，升任司(si)徒。當(dang)時慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)永(yong)占據(ju)長子(zi)，擁有(you)(you)十萬軍(jun)(jun)隊，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)(chui)(chui)和大臣(chen)們(men)(men)(men)商議(yi)討伐他。大臣(chen)們(men)(men)(men)都猶豫不(bu)定(ding)，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)上(shang)前說：“當(dang)年三代祖先積(ji)德(de)(de)，遺(yi)言還回響(xiang)在耳邊，所以(yi)陛(bi)下興(xing)起，不(bu)謀而合，雖然是因(yin)(yin)為(wei)(wei)(wei)陛(bi)下圣明英(ying)武，也(ye)因(yin)(yin)為(wei)(wei)(wei)大臣(chen)們(men)(men)(men)對(dui)王(wang)室(shi)原(yuan)有(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)愛戴，燕(yan)、趙之(zhi)人(ren)樂于(yu)做燕(yan)臣(chen)民的(de)(de)(de)緣(yuan)故(gu)(gu)。現(xian)在慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)永(yong)已經建(jian)立偽(wei)號，煽動漢人(ren)和胡(hu)人(ren)作亂(luan)，致使豎(shu)子(zi)恣肆縱橫，爭奪(duo)不(bu)休，應該先鏟除他，以(yi)統(tong)一(yi)大家的(de)(de)(de)視(shi)聽(ting)(ting)。從(cong)前光武帝急(ji)(ji)速援(yuan)救蘇茂之(zhi)難，不(bu)考慮(lv)百官疲(pi)乏，這難道是不(bu)仁嗎？是因(yin)(yin)為(wei)(wei)(wei)事(shi)情(qing)危急(ji)(ji)的(de)(de)(de)緣(yuan)故(gu)(gu)。兵法中有(you)(you)不(bu)得已而用之(zhi)，陛(bi)下能這樣(yang)做嗎！”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)(chui)(chui)笑著對(dui)群臣(chen)們(men)(men)(men)說：“司(si)徒的(de)(de)(de)看法和我(wo)一(yi)樣(yang)。二人(ren)同心(xin)，利能斷(duan)(duan)金，我(wo)的(de)(de)(de)主意已定(ding)。”于(yu)是聽(ting)(ting)從(cong)了慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)的(de)(de)(de)話。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂(chui)(chui)(chui)臨終前，告諭(yu)兒子(zi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)寶把鄴城交給慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)寶繼位后，任命慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)為(wei)(wei)(wei)使持節、都督冀、兗、青、徐、荊、豫六(liu)州諸軍(jun)(jun)事(shi)、特進、車騎(qi)大將軍(jun)(jun)、冀州牧，兼(jian)領南(nan)蠻校尉，鎮守鄴城，取消留臺，以(yi)都督專門統(tong)管南(nan)夏。
北(bei)(bei)魏(wei)將領(ling)(ling)拓(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)(ba)章(zhang)(zhang)攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)鄴城(cheng)(cheng)，慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德派(pai)南安(an)(an)王(wang)慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)青等夜(ye)里襲擊(ji)(ji)并(bing)擊(ji)(ji)敗拓(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)(ba)章(zhang)(zhang)。北(bei)(bei)魏(wei)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)退駐新(xin)城(cheng)(cheng)，慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)青等請求去(qu)攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)。別(bie)駕韓讠卓進言說：“古(gu)人首先在(zai)朝廷(ting)里謀劃勝敗，然后(hou)才(cai)作戰(zhan)。現在(zai)不(bu)可(ke)攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)北(bei)(bei)魏(wei)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)原因有四(si)條，后(hou)燕軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)不(bu)宜妄(wang)動的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)理(li)(li)由(you)有三條。北(bei)(bei)魏(wei)孤軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)深(shen)入(ru)，野(ye)(ye)戰(zhan)最為(wei)有利，這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)(shi)不(bu)能攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)第一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)由(you)。魏(wei)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)深(shen)入(ru)我(wo)們(men)(men)(men)京都(dou)附近(jin)，把(ba)(ba)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)停留在(zai)死地上，這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)(shi)不(bu)能攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)第二(er)個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)由(you)。他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)們(men)(men)(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)前(qian)鋒打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)了(le)(le)敗仗(zhang)之(zhi)后(hou)，后(hou)陣剛剛穩固(gu)，這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)(shi)不(bu)可(ke)攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)第三個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)由(you)。他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)們(men)(men)(men)人多，我(wo)們(men)(men)(men)人少，這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)(shi)不(bu)可(ke)攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)第四(si)個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)由(you)。我(wo)們(men)(men)(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)在(zai)自己的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)領(ling)(ling)土上作戰(zhan)．這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)(shi)不(bu)宜妄(wang)動的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)第一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)由(you)。去(qu)攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)如果不(bu)能取(qu)勝，軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)心就(jiu)難以安(an)(an)定，這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)(shi)不(bu)宜妄(wang)動的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)第二(er)個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)由(you)。城(cheng)(cheng)郭還沒有修筑完善，敵(di)人來(lai)了(le)(le)無法(fa)防備，這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)(shi)不(bu)宜妄(wang)動的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)第三個(ge)(ge)理(li)(li)由(you)。這(zhe)(zhe)些都(dou)是(shi)(shi)兵(bing)家的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)大忌，不(bu)如把(ba)(ba)溝壑再加(jia)深(shen)，把(ba)(ba)壘壁再加(jia)高，以逸(yi)待(dai)勞。他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)們(men)(men)(men)從(cong)千(qian)里之(zhi)外運送糧食，曠野(ye)(ye)上沒有能搶掠的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)東西，時間一(yi)(yi)長，三軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)就(jiu)會(hui)耗盡(jin)資財，攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)起(qi)來(lai)就(jiu)會(hui)死掉很多兵(bing)馬，士氣(qi)一(yi)(yi)衰落(luo)，軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)心就(jiu)會(hui)離散，那時我(wo)們(men)(men)(men)再周密地謀劃攻(gong)(gong)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)們(men)(men)(men)，就(jiu)可(ke)以取(qu)勝了(le)(le)。”慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德說：“韓別(bie)駕的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)話，是(shi)(shi)張良、陳平的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)計策。”于是(shi)(shi)命(ming)令慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)青撤回軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)。北(bei)(bei)魏(wei)又(you)派(pai)遼西公賀(he)賴盧率(lv)領(ling)(ling)騎兵(bing)和拓(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)(ba)章(zhang)(zhang)一(yi)(yi)起(qi)圍攻(gong)(gong)鄴城(cheng)(cheng)，慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德派(pai)參軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)劉(liu)藻向(xiang)后(hou)秦姚興(xing)請求救援，并(bing)且致以同(tong)母(mu)之(zhi)兄(xiong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)問候(hou)，但是(shi)(shi)姚興(xing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)不(bu)來(lai)，大家非常恐懼。慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德便親自犒(kao)賞戰(zhan)士，多加(jia)撫慰，人人感激他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)恩德，都(dou)樂(le)意為(wei)他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)效命(ming)。適逢拓(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)(ba)章(zhang)(zhang)、賀(he)墮(duo)盧內(nei)部(bu)互相紛(fen)爭(zheng)，各自率(lv)領(ling)(ling)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)暗中(zhong)逃跑。拓(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)(ba)章(zhang)(zhang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)司馬丁建率(lv)領(ling)(ling)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)來(lai)投降，并(bing)說拓(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)(ba)章(zhang)(zhang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)士氣(qi)低落(luo)，可(ke)以打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)敗他(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)(ta)們(men)(men)(men)。慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德派(pai)將領(ling)(ling)去(qu)追趕并(bing)打(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)(da)敗了(le)(le)拓(tuo)(tuo)跋(ba)(ba)章(zhang)(zhang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)，人心才(cai)開始安(an)(an)定。
隆安(an)元年(nian)(nian)（397年(nian)(nian)），魏(wei)軍進入中山(shan)，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)寶出奔到薊，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)詳(xiang)又自立(li)為(wei)帝(di)。適(shi)逢劉(liu)藻從(cong)(cong)姚興(xing)那(nei)里來(lai)到，姚興(xing)的太史令高魯派他的外甥王景暉隨從(cong)(cong)劉(liu)藻送來(lai)一紐玉璽(xi)，并(bing)送來(lai)圖讖秘文(wen)，說(shuo)：“有德者(zhe)昌，無德者(zhe)亡。有德的人(ren)接受天命，柔(rou)弱(ruo)會變得(de)剛強。”又有歌謠說(shuo)：“大風蓬勃(bo)揚起塵埃，八井三刀突(tu)然來(lai)。四海鼎沸中山(shan)崩，惟有德人(ren)占三臺。”于是慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德的大臣們一起商議，認為(wei)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)詳(xiang)在中山(shan)自立(li)，魏(wei)軍在冀州(zhou)勢力強盛，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)寶還生死未(wei)卜，就勸慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德繼位(wei)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德不同意。適(shi)逢慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)達(da)從(cong)(cong)龍城投奔鄴城，稱說(shuo)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)寶還活著(zhu)，大家的議論才停(ting)止。不久，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)寶任慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)德為(wei)丞相(xiang)，兼領冀州(zhou)牧，秉承皇帝(di)旨意在南方(fang)自主行事。
建立南燕
慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)哥哥的兒子慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)麟(lin)從(cong)義臺投奔鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)，向慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)游說道：“中山(shan)(shan)覆沒(mei)以后(hou)，魏(wei)(wei)(wei)軍(jun)(jun)一定會乘(cheng)(cheng)勝攻(gong)打鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)，鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)雖然積儲了(le)糧食，但是城(cheng)(cheng)大難以固守，而且士(shi)氣低(di)落，不(bu)(bu)能戰斗。趁著魏(wei)(wei)(wei)軍(jun)(jun)還沒(mei)有(you)到(dao)(dao)(dao)來，聚集軍(jun)(jun)隊南渡，依附魯陽王慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)和，占(zhan)據(ju)滑(hua)臺（今河(he)(he)南滑(hua)縣東），招集兵馬(ma)，積聚糧食，伺機而動，這是上策。魏(wei)(wei)(wei)軍(jun)(jun)即(ji)使(shi)攻(gong)下中山(shan)(shan)，勢必不(bu)(bu)會久留(liu)，不(bu)(bu)過是驅趕人口和搶掠財物回去。人們不(bu)(bu)喜歡遷徙，自然會發生(sheng)變故，然后(hou)，我們振(zhen)奮威武(wu)前去救援，北(bei)魏(wei)(wei)(wei)就(jiu)會內(nei)外受(shou)敵，使(shi)迷戀(lian)舊(jiu)土(tu)的人有(you)所依靠，廣泛地顯(xian)示恩愛信義，招集遣(qian)民，就(jiu)可以一舉(ju)而攻(gong)取。”此(ci)前，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)和也勸慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)南遷，這時(shi)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)就(jiu)同意了(le)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)麟(lin)的主張。于隆(long)安(an)二年(nian)（398年(nian)），率領(ling)四萬(wan)戶、二萬(wan)七(qi)千(qian)乘(cheng)(cheng)車，從(cong)鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)準備遷移(yi)到(dao)(dao)(dao)滑(hua)臺。遇(yu)到(dao)(dao)(dao)大風，船只沉沒(mei)，魏(wei)(wei)(wei)軍(jun)(jun)將要趕到(dao)(dao)(dao)，大家都害怕(pa)，商議想(xiang)退(tui)守黎(li)陽。當天晚上河(he)(he)面(mian)上漂浮的冰(bing)塊凍(dong)合在(zai)(zai)一起，封住了(le)河(he)(he)面(mian)，當夜(ye)軍(jun)(jun)隊渡過了(le)河(he)(he)，第二天早晨，魏(wei)(wei)(wei)軍(jun)(jun)來到(dao)(dao)(dao)，但是河(he)(he)面(mian)上的冰(bing)塊已經分裂了(le)，就(jiu)像(xiang)有(you)神幫助(zhu)一樣。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)便把黎(li)陽津改(gai)為天橋津。到(dao)(dao)(dao)達滑(hua)臺，景(jing)星在(zai)(zai)尾宿箕宿出(chu)現(xian)。又在(zai)(zai)漳水得到(dao)(dao)(dao)白玉，形狀如(ru)璽。于是慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)依照(zhao)燕元(yuan)(yuan)舊(jiu)例，自稱燕王，稱元(yuan)(yuan)年(nian)，建(jian)立南燕，大赦境內(nei)死罪以下的罪犯，設(she)置百官。任命慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)麟(lin)為司空、兼領(ling)尚(shang)書令，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)法為中軍(jun)(jun)將軍(jun)(jun)，慕(mu)輿拔為尚(shang)書左(zuo)仆射(she)，丁通為尚(shang)書右(you)仆射(she)，其余人封授(shou)官職各有(you)不(bu)(bu)等。當初，河(he)(he)間(jian)有(you)麟(lin)出(chu)現(xian)，慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)麟(lin)認(ren)為是自己的祥瑞。到(dao)(dao)(dao)此(ci)時(shi)，秘(mi)密地策劃反叛(pan)，事(shi)情發覺被賜死。當年(nian)夏天，魏(wei)(wei)(wei)將賀賴盧率領(ling)軍(jun)(jun)隊歸附慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)。
怒殺趙思
此時，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶從(cong)龍城南逃到(dao)(dao)黎陽，派中黃門令趙(zhao)思去叫慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)鐘來迎(ying)接(jie)自己(ji)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)鐘本來是(shi)(shi)(shi)首先(xian)倡議慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)稱王(wang)的(de)，聽到(dao)(dao)趙(zhao)思來了(le)(le)，很是(shi)(shi)(shi)憎惡，把他抓起(qi)來送到(dao)(dao)監(jian)獄，然(ran)后(hou)派人(ren)飛速地向慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)報(bao)告情況。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)對下(xia)臣們說(shuo)：“你們以(yi)前為(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家大(da)計，勸我(wo)攝(she)政。我(wo)也因(yin)為(wei)(wei)繼位(wei)的(de)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)君(jun)(jun)逃亡在外，入(ru)神都沒有了(le)(le)君(jun)(jun)主，所以(yi)權(quan)且服從(cong)大(da)家的(de)建議，以(yi)撫眾望。現在上(shang)天正在追悔所造(zao)成的(de)禍(huo)難，繼位(wei)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)君(jun)(jun)能(neng)夠(gou)(gou)回來，我(wo)將準備車．駕去迎(ying)接(jie)，并在行宮(gong)前謝罪，然(ran)后(hou)回家隱居，各(ge)位(wei)以(yi)為(wei)(wei)如何(he)(he)？”黃門侍郎張華進(jin)言說(shuo)：“在爭(zheng)奪天下(xia)的(de)時代，沒有雄(xiong)才不(bu)(bu)能(neng)奮起(qi)；在兵馬馳騁之(zhi)年(nian)，豈是(shi)(shi)(shi)懦夫能(neng)夠(gou)(gou)成大(da)事的(de)！陛下(xia)如果施(shi)行匹婦之(zhi)仁，舍棄上(shang)天授予的(de)大(da)業(ye)，威勢(shi)和權(quan)力一去，就(jiu)(jiu)會(hui)性(xing)命(ming)不(bu)(bu)保，還會(hui)有什(shen)么退讓之(zhi)事呢！”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)說(shuo)：“我(wo)因(yin)為(wei)(wei)像(xiang)古人(ren)那(nei)樣(yang)逆取順守，統治(zhi)之(zhi)道不(bu)(bu)足，所以(yi)在中途徘徊猶豫，沒下(xia)決(jue)心而(er)已。”慕(mu)(mu)輿護(hu)請求火速去探問慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶的(de)虛實，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)流著(zhu)(zhu)眼淚(lei)送走了(le)(le)他。慕(mu)(mu)輿護(hu)于(yu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)率領(ling)數百名勇士，跟著(zhu)(zhu)趙(zhao)思北去，謀劃殺死慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶。當初，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶派趙(zhao)思出去以(yi)后(hou)，知道了(le)(le)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)替代了(le)(le)自己(ji)登上(shang)王(wang)位(wei)，很害怕，就(jiu)(jiu)向北逃跑。慕(mu)(mu)輿護(hu)到(dao)(dao)了(le)(le)黎陽未見到(dao)(dao)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶，就(jiu)(jiu)押(ya)著(zhu)(zhu)趙(zhao)思回來。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)因(yin)為(wei)(wei)趙(zhao)思熟(shu)習典制掌故，準備任(ren)用他。趙(zhao)思說(shuo)：“當年(nian)關羽被曹操(cao)看重，還忘不(bu)(bu)了(le)(le)先(xian)主劉備的(de)恩德(de)。我(wo)趙(zhao)思雖然(ran)是(shi)(shi)(shi)死而(er)后(hou)生的(de)役(yi)隸，但是(shi)(shi)(shi)蒙受(shou)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家的(de)恩寵，犬馬尚且有報(bao)恩之(zhi)心，何(he)(he)況人(ren)呢！請允(yun)許我(wo)回去，以(yi)表明(ming)我(wo)的(de)節操(cao)。”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)堅(jian)決(jue)留(liu)他，趙(zhao)思憤怒地說(shuo)：“周室(shi)衰微時，晉國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)、鄭國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)輔佐；漢朝(chao)有七國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)之(zhi)難，依賴梁孝王(wang)扶(fu)持。殿下(xia)從(cong)親(qin)戚(qi)上(shang)說(shuo)是(shi)(shi)(shi)主上(shang)的(de)叔(shu)父，從(cong)地位(wei)上(shang)說(shuo)是(shi)(shi)(shi)三公(gong)，不(bu)(bu)能(neng)率領(ling)公(gong)卿匡扶(fu)王(wang)室(shi)，卻(que)希(xi)望王(wang)室(shi)傾覆而(er)去做趙(zhao)王(wang)司(si)馬倫之(zhi)事。我(wo)趙(zhao)思雖然(ran)無法仿效(xiao)申包胥到(dao)(dao)秦國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)哭(ku)求援軍(jun)，卻(que)羨慕(mu)(mu)君(jun)(jun)賓不(bu)(bu)活在王(wang)莽稱帝之(zhi)時。”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)大(da)怒，殺了(le)(le)趙(zhao)思。
敗晉殺廣
東晉(jin)南陽太守(shou)閭丘羨(xian)、寧朔將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)鄧啟方率領二(er)萬軍(jun)(jun)隊來攻打(da)，軍(jun)(jun)隊駐(zhu)扎在管城。慕(mu)容(rong)德派出他(ta)的中軍(jun)(jun)將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)慕(mu)容(rong)法、撫軍(jun)(jun)將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)慕(mu)容(rong)和(he)等人前(qian)去抵抗(kang)，晉(jin)軍(jun)(jun)被打(da)得大敗(bai)。慕(mu)容(rong)德對慕(mu)容(rong)法沒有窮(qiong)追猛(meng)打(da)晉(jin)軍(jun)(jun)很生氣，于(yu)是殺了他(ta)的撫軍(jun)(jun)司馬靳(jin)瑰(gui)。
當(dang)初，苻(fu)登被姚興(xing)消滅以后，苻(fu)登的弟弟苻(fu)廣(guang)(guang)率領(ling)部落向慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)(de)投(tou)降(jiang)，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)(de)任命他(ta)為冠(guan)軍(jun)將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)，安置在(zai)乞活堡。此(ci)時有火星停留在(zai)井宿，有人(ren)說前(qian)秦將(jiang)(jiang)會重新(xin)興(xing)起，苻(fu)廣(guang)(guang)于是自稱秦王，打敗了慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)(de)的將(jiang)(jiang)領(ling)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)鐘。當(dang)時慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)(de)初定都在(zai)滑臺，介于東晉(jin)、北魏(wei)之(zhi)間，地沒(mei)有十城(cheng)，軍(jun)隊不過數萬(wan)。到(dao)了慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)鐘打了敗仗(zhang)，反(fan)覆(fu)無常之(zhi)人(ren)大多歸(gui)附苻(fu)廣(guang)(guang)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)(de)就留下慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)和守(shou)滑臺，親自率領(ling)軍(jun)隊討伐苻(fu)廣(guang)(guang)，殺了苻(fu)廣(guang)(guang)。
諸縣投降
當(dang)初，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶到黎陽(yang)的時(shi)候，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)和(he)的長史李(li)(li)(li)辯(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)勸慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)和(he)接(jie)納慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)寶，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)和(he)不(bu)同(tong)意。李(li)(li)(li)辯(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)害怕計謀泄(xie)露，就(jiu)帶領晉軍(jun)(jun)來到管城(cheng)，希望慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)能親(qin)自(zi)率領軍(jun)(jun)隊出戰，自(zi)己在(zai)后面(mian)作(zuo)亂。但慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)不(bu)出來，李(li)(li)(li)辯(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)更加不(bu)安；到了(le)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)這(zhe)次出征時(shi)，李(li)(li)(li)辯(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)又勸慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)和(he)謀反，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)和(he)不(bu)聽(ting)從。李(li)(li)(li)辯(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)(bian)很憤怒，殺了(le)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)和(he)，以滑臺投降北(bei)魏(wei)。當(dang)時(shi)將士們的家人都(dou)在(zai)滑臺城(cheng)內，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)準(zhun)備攻打滑臺，韓(han)范對慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)說(shuo)：“魏(wei)軍(jun)(jun)已(yi)經進城(cheng)，占據(ju)了(le)國都(dou)作(zuo)為資本，客主(zhu)之(zhi)間的形勢，已(yi)經顛倒(dao)，人情已(yi)經改變，不(bu)能夠攻打。應該首先占據(ju)一方，作(zuo)為關中的基地，然后再積(ji)蓄力量(liang)攻打，這(zhe)是上策。”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)這(zhe)才停(ting)止攻城(cheng)的計謀。
慕(mu)容(rong)德的(de)(de)右衛將軍慕(mu)容(rong)云殺了李辯，率領將士的(de)(de)二萬(wan)多(duo)家(jia)屬沖出了滑臺(tai)城(cheng)，三軍歡慶。慕(mu)容(rong)德和大(da)(da)家(jia)一(yi)(yi)起商(shang)議說：“苻廣(guang)雖(sui)然被(bei)平定了，但撫(fu)軍進(jin)(jin)(jin)退(tui)兩難，進(jin)(jin)(jin)有(you)(you)強大(da)(da)的(de)(de)敵人，退(tui)又沒有(you)(you)安身的(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)(di)方，諸位有(you)(you)何良策(ce)？”張(zhang)華進(jin)(jin)(jin)言說：“彭城(cheng)這個地(di)(di)(di)(di)方有(you)(you)山川(chuan)阻隔，是(shi)(shi)(shi)楚國的(de)(de)舊都(dou)(dou)(dou)，地(di)(di)(di)(di)形險要(yao)，人口(kou)眾多(duo)，可(ke)以(yi)攻(gong)打(da)占(zhan)領其(qi)地(di)(di)(di)(di)，作(zuo)為發展的(de)(de)基(ji)地(di)(di)(di)(di)。”慕(mu)容(rong)鐘、慕(mu)輿(yu)護、封逞、韓讠卓(zhuo)等(deng)堅決勸慕(mu)容(rong)德攻(gong)打(da)滑臺(tai)，潘聰(cong)：“滑臺(tai)四通(tong)(tong)八達(da)，不是(shi)(shi)(shi)帝(di)王長(chang)(chang)住的(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)(di)方。而且北(bei)邊和強大(da)(da)的(de)(de)魏(wei)相通(tong)(tong)，西邊和強盛的(de)(de)秦接連，這兩個國家(jia)，都(dou)(dou)(dou)不是(shi)(shi)(shi)可(ke)以(yi)高枕無憂來(lai)對待(dai)的(de)(de)。彭城(cheng)地(di)(di)(di)(di)廣(guang)人稀，地(di)(di)(di)(di)平而沒有(you)(you)險要(yao)之(zhi)(zhi)處，又是(shi)(shi)(shi)東晉的(de)(de)舊鎮，一(yi)(yi)定會受到抵抗。又和江、淮(huai)靠(kao)近，水路通(tong)(tong)達(da)，秋(qiu)夏連日大(da)(da)雨(yu)，千里之(zhi)(zhi)地(di)(di)(di)(di)變成了湖泊。而且水戰是(shi)(shi)(shi)我國的(de)(de)短處，是(shi)(shi)(shi)東晉的(de)(de)長(chang)(chang)處，即使攻(gong)下了彭城(cheng)，也不是(shi)(shi)(shi)長(chang)(chang)久之(zhi)(zhi)計。青(qing)、齊土(tu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)肥沃，號(hao)稱(cheng)‘東秦’，土(tu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)方圓二千里，人口(kou)超過十(shi)萬(wan)戶(hu)，四面險要(yao)，背(bei)靠(kao)大(da)(da)海，可(ke)以(yi)說是(shi)(shi)(shi)用(yong)武之(zhi)(zhi)地(di)(di)(di)(di)。三蠻的(de)(de)豪杰，立志以(yi)待(dai)，誰(shui)不想(xiang)得遇圣明(ming)的(de)(de)君(jun)主建(jian)(jian)立功業！廣(guang)固(gu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)曹嶷營建(jian)(jian)的(de)(de)，山川(chuan)險峻，足以(yi)作(zuo)為帝(di)王之(zhi)(zhi)都(dou)(dou)(dou)。最(zui)好先派一(yi)(yi)個能言善辯的(de)(de)人飛速前去(qu)游說，然后(hou)大(da)(da)軍跟著(zhu)前進(jin)(jin)(jin)。避(bi)閭渾從前辜負(fu)過國家(jia)的(de)(de)恩德，現(xian)在一(yi)(yi)定會翻然悔悟。如(ru)果他還是(shi)(shi)(shi)堅持(chi)錯誤(wu)不歸順，大(da)(da)軍到達(da)之(zhi)(zhi)時，他們自然土(tu)崩瓦解。占(zhan)據廣(guang)固(gu)以(yi)后(hou)，閉關(guan)而養(yang)精蓄(xu)銳(rui)，伺機而動，這也是(shi)(shi)(shi)像二漢占(zhan)據了關(guan)中、河內地(di)(di)(di)(di)區。”
慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)猶豫(yu)不決。沙門(men)郎公素來(lai)懂(dong)得通(tong)過觀(guan)察天象變化來(lai)預測吉兇，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)于是(shi)去拜訪(fang)他。郎公說：“我恭(gong)敬地(di)看了這(zhe)三個策略，潘尚書的(de)(de)言論(lun)可(ke)以說是(shi)興邦(bang)之術(shu)。今(jin)年初，長星在奎宿(su)、婁宿(su)之間出(chu)現，進(jin)而掃(sao)過虛(xu)宿(su)、危宿(su)，而虛(xu)危二(er)宿(su)對應(ying)齊(qi)地(di)，是(shi)除舊布新(xin)之象。應(ying)當首先平(ping)定魯(lu)地(di)，巡撫(fu)瑯邪，等(deng)到秋風當令，然(ran)后轉向北(bei)到達齊(qi)地(di)，這(zhe)是(shi)天道(dao)。”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)非常高興，帶領軍隊向南(nan)走，兗州北(bei)部邊界各縣全都投降，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)設置(zhi)地(di)方(fang)官(guan)吏安(an)撫(fu)他們。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)訪(fang)問當地(di)的(de)(de)老(lao)年人，軍隊沒有搶掠(lve)的(de)(de)，老(lao)百姓感到平(ping)安(an)，犒勞慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)(de)的(de)(de)牛和酒絡繹不絕。
慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)派(pai)(pai)人(ren)勸導齊郡(jun)太守(shou)避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)，避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)不聽從(cong)，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)派(pai)(pai)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)鐘率領二萬(wan)步(bu)兵(bing)騎兵(bing)攻打(da)避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)進(jin)據瑯邪，徐、兗兩(liang)州(zhou)有(you)(you)十多萬(wan)人(ren)歸(gui)附，從(cong)瑯邪而北，有(you)(you)四萬(wan)多人(ren)迎接(jie)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)前進(jin)攻打(da)莒(ju)城(cheng)(cheng)，守(shou)城(cheng)(cheng)的(de)將領任安放棄(qi)城(cheng)(cheng)邑逃跑，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)讓潘聰鎮(zhen)守(shou)莒(ju)城(cheng)(cheng)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)鐘把檄文(wen)傳發到(dao)青(qing)州(zhou)各(ge)郡(jun)。避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)聽說慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)的(de)軍隊將要到(dao)來，就把八千多戶遷進(jin)廣(guang)固。各(ge)郡(jun)都(dou)在接(jie)到(dao)檄文(wen)后向慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)投降。避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)很害怕，帶著妻子(zi)兒女(nv)投奔北魏。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)派(pai)(pai)射聲校尉劉綱追(zhui)趕避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)，在莒(ju)城(cheng)(cheng)追(zhui)上并殺了(le)(le)他。避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)的(de)參軍張锳(ying)常給避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)作檄文(wen)，文(wen)辭大(da)多傲慢(man)。這(zhe)時，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)俘獲并責罵他。張锳(ying)神色自若(ruo)，從(cong)容(rong)(rong)地回答說：“避(bi)(bi)閭(lv)渾(hun)有(you)(you)了(le)(le)我(wo)，就像韓信有(you)(you)了(le)(le)蒯通(tong)。蒯通(tong)碰(peng)到(dao)漢太祖后得到(dao)了(le)(le)寬恕，我(wo)碰(peng)到(dao)陛下(xia)卻受到(dao)殺戮(lu)，跟古人(ren)相比，我(wo)認為是(shi)不幸(xing)。受到(dao)像防風氏(shi)那(nei)(nei)樣(yang)的(de)誅殺，我(wo)心甘情愿(yuan)，但(dan)恐堯、舜(shun)那(nei)(nei)樣(yang)的(de)教化不能(neng)弘揚四海。”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)開始很贊(zan)賞他的(de)話，后來終(zhong)于殺了(le)(le)他。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德(de)(de)(de)進(jin)入廣(guang)固。
稱帝除亂
隆(long)安四年(nian)（400年(nian)），慕(mu)容德在(zai)南郊(jiao)正式(shi)稱帝，大(da)赦天下，改年(nian)號為(wei)建(jian)平(ping)。在(zai)宮廷(ting)南設立臨時(shi)宗(zong)廟，派人拿著策書(shu)去報(bao)告事成(cheng)。進升慕(mu)容鐘為(wei)司徒，慕(mu)輿(yu)拔為(wei)司空(kong)，封(feng)孚為(wei)左仆射(she)，慕(mu)輿(yu)護為(wei)右仆射(she)。派度支尚書(shu)封(feng)愷、中(zhong)書(shu)侍(shi)郎(lang)封(feng)逞去觀察風(feng)俗得失，大(da)宴將(jiang)士(shi)。立他妻子段季妃(fei)為(wei)皇后。建(jian)立學官，簡(jian)選公卿以下子弟和二(er)品士(shi)門共二(er)百人為(wei)太學生。
第二年（401年），慕(mu)容德(de)去齊(qi)城(cheng)(cheng)，登上營丘，看(kan)見了晏嬰之墓，對身邊(bian)的(de)(de)人(ren)說(shuo)：“根據(ju)禮法(fa)，大(da)(da)夫不靠(kao)近(jin)(jin)城(cheng)(cheng)里安(an)葬(zang)。晏平(ping)(ping)仲是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)古代的(de)(de)賢人(ren)，是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)通達禮法(fa)的(de)(de)人(ren)，但他(ta)(ta)活(huo)著(zhu)的(de)(de)時候居住在(zai)(zai)(zai)靠(kao)近(jin)(jin)市(shi)肆(si)的(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)(di)方，死后(hou)埋葬(zang)在(zai)(zai)(zai)城(cheng)(cheng)附近(jin)(jin)，難(nan)道有什么深意嗎？”青(qing)州(zhou)秀才晏謨(mo)(mo)回答說(shuo)：“孔子稱贊(zan)(zan)我的(de)(de)先人(ren)晏平(ping)(ping)仲是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)賢人(ren)，那就(jiu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)賢人(ren)了。難(nan)道還不懂得增高(gao)其屋梁，豐富其禮儀嗎？大(da)(da)概是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)政令出自大(da)(da)夫之家，所以用儉樸來矯正世俗。活(huo)著(zhu)的(de)(de)時候居住在(zai)(zai)(zai)低下狹小(xiao)的(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)(di)方，死后(hou)難(nan)道還挑選安(an)葬(zang)的(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)(di)方嗎？不遠(yuan)離家門安(an)葬(zang)的(de)(de)原因，仍然是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)希望人(ren)們理解他(ta)(ta)平(ping)(ping)生的(de)(de)心(xin)志。”慕(mu)容德(de)就(jiu)讓晏謨(mo)(mo)跟隨自己(ji)到(dao)了漢城(cheng)(cheng)陽景王廟，在(zai)(zai)(zai)申池宴請老人(ren)，往北(bei)登上社首山(shan)(shan)，向東(dong)看(kan)鼎足，注視著(zhu)牛山(shan)(shan)感嘆說(shuo)： “自古以來沒有不死的(de)(de)人(ren)！”悲愴而有死后(hou)葬(zang)在(zai)(zai)(zai)這(zhe)里的(de)(de)心(xin)意。接著(zhu)詢(xun)問晏謨(mo)(mo)關于齊(qi)地(di)(di)(di)(di)的(de)(de)山(shan)(shan)川丘陵，以及賢哲(zhe)們的(de)(de)舊事。晏謨(mo)(mo)一(yi)一(yi)詳細地(di)(di)(di)(di)回答，并在(zai)(zai)(zai)地(di)(di)(di)(di)上畫出了圖。慕(mu)容德(de)非常贊(zan)(zan)賞晏謨(mo)(mo)，任他(ta)(ta)為尚書郎。慕(mu)容德(de)在(zai)(zai)(zai)商山(shan)(shan)安(an)排了鑄造器具的(de)(de)工(gong)匠，在(zai)(zai)(zai)烏常澤設(she)置(zhi)鹽官(guan)，用以擴大(da)(da)軍隊和國家的(de)(de)物資供給。
慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)原來(lai)的(de)(de)官員趙融從長安來(lai)，說到了慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)母親和哥哥的(de)(de)死訊。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)放聲痛(tong)哭以至于吐(tu)血，因而(er)臥病不起。司隸校尉慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)達(da)因此(ci)策劃反(fan)叛，派牙門(men)(men)皇璆率領軍隊(dui)攻打端(duan)門(men)(men)，殿(dian)中(zhong)帥侯赤(chi)眉打開(kai)城(cheng)門(men)(men)接(jie)應。中(zhong)黃(huang)門(men)(men)遜進(jin)扶著慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)越過城(cheng)墻，躲(duo)到遜進(jin)的(de)(de)房舍里。段宏等(deng)人聽說宮中(zhong)有變故(gu)，就(jiu)率領軍隊(dui)駐守四門(men)(men)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)德(de)入宮，殺(sha)了侯赤(chi)眉等(deng)人，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)達(da)害怕(pa)而(er)投(tou)奔北魏。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)法(fa)和魏軍在濟(ji)水北邊的(de)(de)摽(biao)榆俗交(jiao)戰，魏軍被打得(de)大敗。
納議聚儒
尚書韓讠卓(zhuo)上疏，提出(chu)休養軍隊，修煉兵器，擴大農耕(geng)，積儲(chu)糧食，審核戶籍、增加軍資等建議(yi)，慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)德采(cai)納了他的建議(yi)，派車騎(qi)將軍慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)鎮率領三千騎(qi)兵，沿著(zhu)邊界嚴密地設防(fang)，防(fang)備老百姓逃跑(pao)。任命韓讠卓(zhuo)為使持節、散騎(qi)常侍、行臺尚書，巡行到各(ge)郡縣(xian)進行審核，查得佃客五萬八(ba)千人。韓讠卓(zhuo)公正廉潔，到了哪里都是在野外住宿，不(bu)打擾當地人民。
慕容德(de)大(da)規(gui)模地聚集儒生(sheng)(sheng)，親(qin)自(zi)策試。又設宴招待，慕容德(de)登上高處眺(tiao)望遠方，回過(guo)頭對尚書魯(lu)邃說：“齊、魯(lu)一帶本來(lai)就多(duo)君子(zi)，在從前全盛的(de)時代，接(jie)、慎、巴生(sheng)(sheng)、淳于、鄒、田(tian)這(zhe)(zhe)批人，避居(ju)在長檐之下，面對著清澈的(de)池水(shui)，乘著紅(hong)漆輪子(zi)的(de)華貴車子(zi)飛奔，佩帶長劍，隨意發揮(hui)像白(bai)馬(ma)非馬(ma)這(zhe)(zhe)樣(yang)的(de)雄辯，像鄒衍談天那樣(yang)的(de)論辯，揮(hui)手則(ze)紅(hong)紫成為錦章，前俯(fu)后仰則(ze)丘陵(ling)生(sheng)(sheng)出韻律。到了今天，荒草頹墳(fen)，氣消煙減，長言千載(zai)流傳，能不依(yi)然如(ru)故！”魯(lu)邃回答(da)說：“周武王在比(bi)干的(de)墳(fen)墓上添土(tu)，漢太祖祭奠信陵(ling)君的(de)墳(fen)墓，這(zhe)(zhe)都(dou)是重視圣賢的(de)人，常常思念他們過(guo)去的(de)事跡(ji)。陛下比(bi)周武王和漢太祖還要仁慈，德(de)澤施到了九泉之下，如(ru)果(guo)他們地下有知，難道還不感恩戴德(de)！”
伐晉去世
當(dang)時(shi)(shi)(shi)東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)桓(huan)玄(xuan)(xuan)準(zhun)備篡(cuan)奪東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)政(zheng)權，誅殺不(bu)歸(gui)附自己(ji)的(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)。冀州刺(ci)史劉軌、襄城太守司馬休之、征(zheng)虜將(jiang)軍劉敬宣(xuan)、廣陵相高雅之、江(jiang)都(dou)(dou)長張誕都(dou)(dou)心(xin)里不(bu)安(an)(an)，全部投(tou)奔了(le)慕(mu)容德(de)(de)。慕(mu)容德(de)(de)的(de)(de)中書(shu)侍郎韓范上(shang)疏(shu)說：“帝王(wang)之道，一定(ding)是(shi)崇尚籌劃和治理。有(you)(you)時(shi)(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)卻沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)人(ren)(ren)才，濟世(shi)之功(gong)就會(hui)落(luo)空；有(you)(you)人(ren)(ren)才卻沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)時(shi)(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)，英武(wu)大(da)志就不(bu)能伸(shen)展。能夠(gou)成就王(wang)業的(de)(de)，是(shi)人(ren)(ren)才和時(shi)(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)都(dou)(dou)具備。自從東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)內亂，到(dao)現(xian)(xian)在(zai)已經(jing)七年。桓(huan)玄(xuan)(xuan)叛亂，比(bi)(bi)董卓更加暴虐，神怒人(ren)(ren)怨，他的(de)(de)禍(huo)殃(yang)已經(jing)積累了(le)。可(ke)乘之機(ji)(ji)，沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)比(bi)(bi)現(xian)(xian)在(zai)更適(shi)合的(de)(de)了(le)。憑(ping)著(zhu)陛下的(de)(de)神武(wu)，規劃這件事情，指(zhi)(zhi)揮著(zhu)樂于奮勇的(de)(de)士兵，乘人(ren)(ren)民厭惡禍(huo)亂的(de)(de)時(shi)(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)，就好(hao)像是(shi)發出聲音后馬上(shang)就有(you)(you)回聲，身形一動影子馬上(shang)跟(gen)著(zhu)，還(huan)不(bu)足以比(bi)(bi)喻(yu)事情的(de)(de)容易(yi)。而且江(jiang)、淮南北(bei)的(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)口不(bu)多，公私(si)人(ren)(ren)馬不(bu)過數百，守備之事也很少(shao)。如(ru)果(guo)(guo)用一萬(wan)騎(qi)兵步兵，發動雷霆(ting)萬(wan)鉤(gou)的(de)(de)攻勢，長驅直入，直指(zhi)(zhi)江(jiang)、會(hui)，一定(ding)會(hui)使(shi)敵人(ren)(ren)見我們(men)(men)的(de)(de)戰旗而投(tou)降，老百姓犒勞我們(men)(men)的(de)(de)酒食擺滿道路(lu)。地方跨越數千里，軍隊超過十萬(wan)人(ren)(ren)，可(ke)以向(xiang)西兼并(bing)強秦，向(xiang)北(bei)抵(di)抗(kang)北(bei)魏(wei)。想要開拓邊境，使(shi)國家(jia)安(an)(an)定(ding)，再沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)比(bi)(bi)現(xian)(xian)在(zai)更好(hao)的(de)(de)時(shi)(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)了(le)。如(ru)果(guo)(guo)錯(cuo)過時(shi)(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)，豪杰們(men)(men)再次興起，誅除(chu)了(le)桓(huan)玄(xuan)(xuan)，推行維(wei)新教(jiao)化，遠近都(dou)(dou)安(an)(an)定(ding)，人(ren)(ren)們(men)(men)沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)其他的(de)(de)想望，不(bu)但建鄴難以攻滅(mie)，就連江(jiang)北(bei)也沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)希望。時(shi)(shi)(shi)機(ji)(ji)錯(cuo)過，禍(huo)難滋生，憂患一定(ding)會(hui)到(dao)來。天(tian)意給與卻不(bu)去獲取(qu)，悔恨就要降臨(lin)。希望陛下看我的(de)(de)奏章。”
慕(mu)容(rong)德(de)說(shuo)：“近來多次(ci)(ci)遭(zao)受厄(e)運，國(guo)家綱紀(ji)突(tu)然(ran)廢(fei)弛，使得(de)奸逆禍(huo)亂華夏，原來的京都(dou)(dou)(dou)成了廢(fei)墟，每(mei)次(ci)(ci)遭(zao)逢惡運，我(wo)都(dou)(dou)(dou)是感到(dao)(dao)憤憤不(bu)平。從前(qian)(qian)少(shao)康(kang)用一(yi)旅的軍(jun)(jun)隊，恢復夏朝配享上(shang)(shang)(shang)(shang)天(tian)，何況朕占據著(zhu)三齊(qi)之(zhi)(zhi)地，憑藉著(zhu)五州(zhou)之(zhi)(zhi)眾(zhong)，把打仗的本領教給他(ta)們，用禮讓的道理引導他(ta)們，上(shang)(shang)(shang)(shang)下(xia)都(dou)(dou)(dou)懂得(de)大(da)(da)義，人人都(dou)(dou)(dou)發奮而起，整軍(jun)(jun)待機，已(yi)經很久(jiu)(jiu)。原想先(xian)安定中原，掃除逃(tao)亡的罪(zui)人，然(ran)后(hou)廣泛傳播(bo)淳樸(pu)的風氣，治理全國(guo)，飲馬(ma)長(chang)江(jiang)，在(zai)隴坂(ban)掛(gua)起旌旗。這(zhe)個志(zhi)向還沒有實現，暫且收起兵(bing)(bing)(bing)器(qi)而已(yi)。現在(zai)的事(shi)情(qing)，希望各位王公(gong)們詳(xiang)密(mi)地討論。”大(da)(da)家都(dou)(dou)(dou)認為桓玄剛(gang)剛(gang)得(de)志(zhi)，不(bu)能(neng)攻打他(ta)，便(bian)作罷。于是在(zai)城(cheng)西講(jiang)習武藝，共(gong)有步(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)三十七(qi)萬(wan)，戰車一(yi)萬(wan)七(qi)千(qian)(qian)乘，騎(qi)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)五萬(wan)三千(qian)(qian)，人馬(ma)連山，旌旗遍(bian)野，釭鼓聲(sheng)震天(tian)動地。慕(mu)容(rong)德(de)登上(shang)(shang)(shang)(shang)高(gao)(gao)處察看，回(hui)過(guo)頭來對(dui)劉軌、高(gao)(gao)雅(ya)之(zhi)(zhi)說(shuo)：“當年(nian)郤克怨(yuan)恨(hen)(hen)齊(qi)國(guo)，伍子胥損怨(yuan)恨(hen)(hen)楚國(guo)，終于能(neng)夠(gou)伸張其剛(gang)毅勇(yong)烈，名聲(sheng)流(liu)傳千(qian)(qian)古(gu)。你們既(ji)然(ran)知曉投身有道明君，應當使自(zi)己無愧(kui)于古(gu)人啊。”高(gao)(gao)雅(ya)之(zhi)(zhi)等頓首(shou)回(hui)答說(shuo)：“我(wo)們有幸(xing)承蒙陛下(xia)天(tian)大(da)(da)的恩情(qing)，地大(da)(da)的德(de)澤(ze)，存亡斷絕，正在(zai)這(zhe)圣(sheng)明的時(shi)代，我(wo)們即(ji)使死上(shang)(shang)(shang)(shang)一(yi)萬(wan)次(ci)(ci)，也不(bu)能(neng)上(shang)(shang)(shang)(shang)報陛下(xia)的恩德(de)！”不(bu)久(jiu)(jiu)就聽到(dao)(dao)了桓玄失敗的消息(xi)，慕(mu)容(rong)德(de)任命慕(mu)容(rong)鎮為前(qian)(qian)鋒，慕(mu)容(rong)鐘(zhong)為大(da)(da)都(dou)(dou)(dou)督，用二萬(wan)步(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)，五千(qian)(qian)騎(qi)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)，限定日期出(chu)發，但慕(mu)容(rong)德(de)恰巧生病，便(bian)停止出(chu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)。
當初，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德派人(ren)去長安接他哥(ge)哥(ge)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)納之子(zi)(zi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)超，義熙元年（405年），慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)超才被接回南燕。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德晚上(shang)夢見(jian)父(fu)親慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)皝對他說：“你既(ji)然沒有(you)兒子(zi)(zi)，為什(shen)么不及早立(li)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)超為太(tai)子(zi)(zi)？不然，惡人(ren)就要篡位(wei)了。”慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德醒(xing)后告訴(su)他的(de)妻子(zi)(zi)說：“這(zhe)是先帝(di)的(de)神明所告，體(ti)會這(zhe)個夢的(de)意(yi)思，我就要死了。”于(yu)是下(xia)詔立(li)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)超為皇(huang)太(tai)子(zi)(zi)，大(da)赦境內，兒子(zi)(zi)繼承父(fu)親的(de)每人(ren)爵(jue)升二(er)級。當月，慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德去世，時(shi)年七(qi)十歲。連夜做了十多口棺材，分別從四個門抬出，秘密(mi)地(di)安葬在山(shan)谷里，最終(zhong)無人(ren)知道(dao)他的(de)尸體(ti)葬在什(shen)么地(di)方，對外謊稱葬于(yu)東(dong)陽陵。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)德共在位(wei)六年，謚號獻武皇(huang)帝(di)，廟號世宗(zong)。
趣聞軼事
爭進直言
慕容(rong)(rong)德稱帝之(zhi)后(hou)，有(you)(you)一次乘著(zhu)(zhu)宴(yan)會群(qun)臣(chen)，喝酒(jiu)正酣(han)時，笑著(zhu)(zhu)說(shuo)道：“朕雖然德行寡(gua)薄，但(dan)是(shi)莊嚴端正地坐在(zai)朝廷上接受諸侯的(de)(de)(de)朝見，在(zai)上位卻不傲慢，整天為(wei)自(zi)己的(de)(de)(de)職責不敢怠慢，可(ke)以(yi)(yi)和自(zi)古(gu)以(yi)(yi)來什么樣的(de)(de)(de)君(jun)主相比？”青州刺史(shi)鞠仲(zhong)說(shuo)：“陛下是(shi)中興的(de)(de)(de)圣明君(jun)主，是(shi)少康、光武帝一類的(de)(de)(de)皇帝。”慕容(rong)(rong)德回(hui)過頭命令(ling)侍臣(chen)賞賜(si)鞠仲(zhong)一千匹(pi)帛(bo)。鞠仲(zhong)以(yi)(yi)賞賜(si)太多(duo)為(wei)由(you)推讓(rang)，慕容(rong)(rong)德說(shuo)：“你(ni)懂(dong)得(de)嘲笑我(wo)，我(wo)就(jiu)不懂(dong)得(de)嘲笑你(ni)嗎！你(ni)的(de)(de)(de)回(hui)答夸大而不符(fu)合實(shi)際，所以(yi)(yi)我(wo)也用假話來獎賞你(ni)。獎賞并沒有(you)(you)錯加到你(ni)頭上，哪(na)里值得(de)推辭(ci)呢(ni)！”韓范進(jin)言(yan)說(shuo)：“我(wo)認為(wei)天子無(wu)戲言(yan)，忠臣(chen)無(wu)亂(luan)答。今天的(de)(de)(de)談論，上下相欺(qi)，可(ke)以(yi)(yi)說(shuo)是(shi)君(jun)臣(chen)都不對。”慕容(rong)(rong)德非常高興，賞賜(si)韓范五(wu)十匹(pi)絹。從此以(yi)(yi)后(hou)人們爭著(zhu)(zhu)進(jin)獻正直有(you)(you)益的(de)(de)(de)言(yan)論，朝廷多(duo)耿直之(zhi)士。
探問兄母
慕(mu)容德的(de)(de)(de)(de)母親(qin)和哥哥原(yuan)(yuan)先在(zai)(zai)長(chang)安(an)，慕(mu)容德派(pai)平原(yuan)(yuan)人(ren)杜弘(hong)去長(chang)安(an)探問(wen)他們是(shi)否還(huan)活(huo)著。杜弘(hong)說(shuo)：“我(wo)(wo)(wo)到(dao)(dao)了長(chang)安(an)，如(ru)果(guo)不能知(zhi)道(dao)太(tai)后(hou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)情況(kuang)(kuang)，當即就西(xi)去張(zhang)掖，用死來(lai)報效。我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)父親(qin)杜雄(xiong)年過六十，還(huan)沒有(you)得到(dao)(dao)過榮華富貴，懇請給予本縣的(de)(de)(de)(de)俸祿(lu)，用以(yi)表(biao)達(da)我(wo)(wo)(wo)烏鴉反哺(bu)那樣的(de)(de)(de)(de)孝心。”張(zhang)華進言(yan)說(shuo)：“杜弘(hong)還(huan)沒有(you)動身就請求(qiu)祿(lu)利，求(qiu)取(qu)利益(yi)之心太(tai)重，不能派(pai)他去。”慕(mu)容德說(shuo)：“我(wo)(wo)(wo)正在(zai)(zai)散我(wo)(wo)(wo)所看輕的(de)(de)(de)(de)錢財(cai)，招致我(wo)(wo)(wo)所看重的(de)(de)(de)(de)效死之士，何況(kuang)(kuang)為了我(wo)(wo)(wo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)母親(qin)，能舍不得錢財(cai)嗎(ma)！況(kuang)(kuang)且(qie)杜弘(hong)為君主迎接親(qin)人(ren)，為父親(qin)求(qiu)取(qu)祿(lu)利，雖然從(cong)表(biao)面看來(lai)是(shi)求(qiu)取(qu)私利，內心卻是(shi)忠孝。”任(ren)命杜雄(xiong)為平原(yuan)(yuan)令。杜弘(hong)到(dao)(dao)了張(zhang)掖，被盜賊(zei)殺(sha)死，慕(mu)容德知(zhi)道(dao)后(hou)很悲傷，優待撫恤杜弘(hong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)妻子兒女。
譏笑王始
泰山人王(wang)始(shi)在(zai)泰山聚集(ji)人馬，自稱太平(ping)皇(huang)帝(di)，稱他(ta)(ta)父親為(wei)太上皇(huang)，哥哥為(wei)征(zheng)東將(jiang)軍，弟(di)(di)弟(di)(di)為(wei)征(zheng)西將(jiang)軍。慕容(rong)鎮討伐并擒獲了他(ta)(ta)，要(yao)在(zai)都市(shi)斬首。在(zai)即將(jiang)行(xing)刑的時候(hou)，有人問(wen)王(wang)始(shi)他(ta)(ta)父親和兄弟(di)(di)在(zai)什(shen)么(me)地方，王(wang)始(shi)回答說(shuo)(shuo)：“太上皇(huang)帝(di)流亡在(zai)外，征(zheng)東將(jiang)軍、征(zheng)西將(jiang)軍被亂軍殺害，惟有朕一人，孤獨沒有了依賴(lai)。”他(ta)(ta)的妻子(zi)生氣地說(shuo)(shuo)：“就(jiu)是因為(wei)你這張嘴(zui)，才到(dao)了這一地步，為(wei)什(shen)么(me)又胡說(shuo)(shuo)八道！”王(wang)始(shi)說(shuo)(shuo)：“皇(huang)后(hou)！自古以來難道有永不(bu)破敗的家(jia)，永不(bu)滅亡的國(guo)嗎！”行(xing)刑的人用刀(dao)鑲擊打他(ta)(ta)，他(ta)(ta)兩眼仰(yang)視，說(shuo)(shuo)：“駕崩就(jiu)駕崩，永遠不(bu)改(gai)帝(di)號。”慕容(rong)德聽到(dao)此(ci)事(shi)后(hou)譏笑王(wang)始(shi)。
歷史評價
慕容垂(chui)：“汝器識長進，非復吳下阿蒙也。”
房(fang)玄齡等(deng)《晉書》：①“慕容德(de)以(yi)季父之(zhi)(zhi)親，居鄴中之(zhi)(zhi)重，朝(chao)危未聞其節(jie)，君存遽踐其位，豈人理哉！然稟倜儻之(zhi)(zhi)雄(xiong)姿，韞縱(zong)橫(heng)之(zhi)(zhi)遠(yuan)略，屬(shu)分崩之(zhi)(zhi)運，成角逐之(zhi)(zhi)資，跨有全齊，竊弄神器，撫劍而(er)爭(zheng)衡秦、魏，練(lian)甲而(er)志靜(jing)荊、吳，崇儒術以(yi)弘(hong)風，延讜(dang)言而(er)勵己，觀其為國，有足稱焉。” ②“德(de)實(shi)奸(jian)雄(xiong)，轉敗為功。奄(yan)有青土，淫名域(yu)中。”；③“年未弱冠(guan)，身長八尺二寸，姿貌(mao)雄(xiong)偉，額有日角偃月重文(wen)。博觀群書，性清(qing)慎，多才藝(yi)。”
一笑易歡 
