后(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)建武四年(338年)五(wu)月,后(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)皇帝(di)石(shi)虎以燕軍(jun)(jun)違(wei)約獨攻段部鮮卑,得勝(sheng)。又以劫掠而歸為(wei)由,發兵數十(shi)萬(wan)北伐,圍困大棘城(今(jin)遼(liao)寧(ning)義縣)。燕趙(zhao)(zhao)兩軍(jun)(jun)相(xiang)持十(shi)余日,趙(zhao)(zhao)軍(jun)(jun)不能克,遂后(hou)退。慕容皝派慕容恪率2000騎(qi)兵于(yu)清晨出城追(zhui)殺(sha)。石(shi)虎見城內師出,大驚,棄甲潰逃(tao)。慕容恪乘勝(sheng)追(zhui)擊,大敗后(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)軍(jun)(jun),斬(zhan)獲三萬(wan)余級。
后(hou)趙(zhao)建(jian)武四年(338年)十(shi)二(er)月,段(duan)部鮮卑首(shou)領段(duan)遼遣(qian)使向(xiang)后(hou)趙(zhao)請降(jiang),中途反悔,又(you)遣(qian)使請降(jiang)于前燕(yan),并與(yu)前燕(yan)合謀(mou)設伏(fu),欲消滅趙(zhao)軍(jun)。時后(hou)趙(zhao)皇帝石虎已派征東將軍(jun)麻(ma)(ma)(ma)秋(qiu)(qiu)、司馬(ma)陽裕等率兵3萬前去受(shou)降(jiang)。前燕(yan)王慕容(rong)(rong)皝自統大(da)軍(jun)前往(wang)迎(ying)段(duan)遼,派慕容(rong)(rong)恪帶精(jing)騎7000埋伏(fu)于密(mi)云山。慕容(rong)(rong)恪大(da)敗(bai)麻(ma)(ma)(ma)秋(qiu)(qiu)于三(san)藏口(今河(he)北承德),趙(zhao)軍(jun)死亡大(da)半,麻(ma)(ma)(ma)秋(qiu)(qiu)步行逃(tao)脫,司馬(ma)陽裕被俘。
咸康(kang)七年(341)年十月,燕(yan)(yan)(yan)王(wang)慕(mu)容(rong)皝以慕(mu)容(rong)恪為渡遼將(jiang)軍(jun),鎮守平郭。前燕(yan)(yan)(yan)自從慕(mu)容(rong)翰逃亡,慕(mu)容(rong)仁(ren)被殺后,無人(ren)能鎮守遼東。慕(mu)容(rong)恪行至平郭,撫(fu)舊懷新,屢破高句麗兵(bing),高句麗畏之,不敢再入燕(yan)(yan)(yan)境。
建(jian)元二(er)年(nian)(344年(nian))二(er)月,慕(mu)容皝親(qin)自帶兵攻宇(yu)(yu)(yu)文(wen)逸豆歸(gui),以建(jian)威將軍(jun)(jun)慕(mu)容翰(于(yu)咸康六年(nian)回到(dao)燕(yan)國)為前鋒將軍(jun)(jun),劉(liu)佩(pei)為副將;命(ming)慕(mu)容恪與慕(mu)容軍(jun)(jun)、慕(mu)容霸及(ji)折(zhe)沖將軍(jun)(jun)慕(mu)輿根等(deng)率兵分三(san)路并進。最(zui)終大破宇(yu)(yu)(yu)文(wen)軍(jun)(jun),燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)乘勝追擊(ji),攻克宇(yu)(yu)(yu)文(wen)氏都城(cheng)紫蒙川(chuan)(今遼寧朝(chao)陽西北(bei))。宇(yu)(yu)(yu)文(wen)逸豆歸(gui)敗逃,死于(yu)漠北(bei),宇(yu)(yu)(yu)文(wen)氏從此散亡。
永和元年(nian)(345年(nian))十月,慕(mu)容皝(huang)令慕(mu)容恪攻(gong)打高句麗。慕(mu)容恪攻(gong)拔南蘇(今遼寧撫順(shun)市東蘇子(zi)(zi)河與渾(hun)河合流(liu)處),派兵(bing)留守。永和二(er)年(nian)(346年(nian))正月,慕(mu)容皝(huang)派慕(mu)容恪與世子(zi)(zi)慕(mu)容儁、慕(mu)容軍、慕(mu)輿根及(ji)(ji)1.7萬騎(qi)兵(bing)襲(xi)擊(ji)扶余(yu)國。慕(mu)容儁坐(zuo)鎮中(zhong)軍指揮,而慕(mu)容恪則統帥諸軍冒(mao)矢石進擊(ji),攻(gong)克(ke)扶余(yu),俘扶余(yu)國王(wang)玄及(ji)(ji)部落5萬余(yu)口而還。
永和六年(350年),后趙(zhao)大(da)將(jiang)軍冉閔占據鄴城,滅亡后趙(zhao)。自立為(wei)帝,國號大(da)魏(wei),史稱冉魏(wei)。
永和七年(351年)八(ba)月,慕(mu)容儁遣慕(mu)容恪攻破中山(今(jin)河北定州)。隨著慕(mu)容恪攻占中山后,冉閔(min)攻取了襄(xiang)國(今(jin)河北邢臺),欲圖幽州。前燕占領幽州后,也(ye)想繼續南進,圖據中原,一場大戰不(bu)可避免。
永和八年(352年)四(si)月,冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)將(jiang)與(yu)前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)開戰(zhan)(zhan)。大將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)董閏、車騎(qi)(qi)將(jiang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)張溫苦諫(jian)冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min),不可(ke)(ke)同(tong)前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)開戰(zhan)(zhan)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)不納(na),移(yi)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)于安喜(今河北定州(zhou))。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)隨即(ji)引兵而至。魏(wei)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)兩(liang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)交戰(zhan)(zhan)十(shi)次,燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)兵皆敗。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)素有勇名,所部(bu)將(jiang)士(shi)精銳,燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)畏懼。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)陣前(qian)激(ji)勵將(jiang)士(shi),指出冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)有勇無(wu)謀,其軍(jun)(jun)(jun)饑疲難用,定可(ke)(ke)擊(ji)(ji)破。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)所部(bu)多(duo)步卒,欲引燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)騎(qi)(qi)兵至叢林(lin)作戰(zhan)(zhan)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)采納(na)參軍(jun)(jun)(jun)高開之策,急派(pai)輕騎(qi)(qi)截(jie)擊(ji)(ji)之,然(ran)后佯敗誘敵至平地(di),并將(jiang)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)切分為三部(bu)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)自率(lv)中軍(jun)(jun)(jun),選善(shan)射者五千人,以鐵鎖連戰(zhan)(zhan)馬結方陣而前(qian),另兩(liang)部(bu)各置一側配合主力進擊(ji)(ji)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)恃勇輕敵,果然(ran)中計(ji),直(zhi)突(tu)燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)中部(bu)鐵馬方陣。燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)側翼(yi)部(bu)隊即(ji)從兩(liang)面夾擊(ji)(ji),大敗冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)隊,斬七千余(yu)人。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)(min)突(tu)圍東(dong)走二(er)十(shi)余(yu)里(li),坐騎(qi)(qi)忽死,被燕(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)所俘,冉(ran)魏(wei)滅亡(wang)。
元璽元年(352年),冉(ran)(ran)閔被慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)軍(jun)俘(fu)虜(lu)后(hou),其子冉(ran)(ran)操投奔(ben)鎮(zhen)守魯(lu)口(今河北(bei)(bei)饒(rao)陽)的(de)大將(jiang)王(wang)午(wu)(wu)。七月(yue),王(wang)午(wu)(wu)自稱安國(guo)(guo)王(wang),對(dui)抗(kang)前燕。八(ba)月(yue),慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)儁(jun)遣慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)、太尉封(feng)奕、尚書令陽騖攻打魯(lu)口。王(wang)午(wu)(wu)憑(ping)借城(cheng)(cheng)池之險進行(xing)抵抗(kang),并把(ba)冉(ran)(ran)操送(song)于(yu)燕軍(jun)。慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)料魯(lu)口城(cheng)(cheng)池堅固(gu),暫難攻克,遂將(jiang)城(cheng)(cheng)外的(de)莊稼盡數收(shou)割,撤(che)回(hui)中(zhong)山(今河北(bei)(bei)定州市)。十月(yue),慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)屯安平,積糧,修筑攻城(cheng)(cheng)器具,準備攻討(tao)王(wang)午(wu)(wu)。時中(zhong)山蘇林起兵于(yu)無極(ji),自稱天子,慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)率(lv)軍(jun)先攻討(tao)蘇林。十月(yue),慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)儁(jun)派廣威將(jiang)軍(jun)慕輿根(gen)幫助慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke),斬蘇林。不久,王(wang)午(wu)(wu)為其將(jiang)秦(qin)興殺(sha)(sha)死,呂(lv)護又殺(sha)(sha)秦(qin)興,繼(ji)承安國(guo)(guo)王(wang)。
元璽三年(nian)(354年(nian))二月,慕容(rong)恪(ke)再次(ci)發兵圍魯口,次(ci)月克(ke)之。呂護逃往野王(今河南沁陽)。四月,慕容(rong)儁(jun)以慕容(rong)恪(ke)為大(da)司馬、侍中、大(da)都督、錄尚書事,封太(tai)原王。
建(jian)熙(xi)二年(nian)(361年(nian))二月(yue),寧南(nan)將軍呂護,鎮守野王(今河(he)南(nan)沁陽),暗中(zhong)投(tou)靠東(dong)晉,東(dong)晉以呂護為前將軍、冀州刺史。呂護欲引東(dong)晉軍偷(tou)襲(xi)燕(yan)都鄴城(今河(he)北臨(lin)漳),未及行動,事情(qing)敗露。
三(san)月(yue),燕王遣(qian)慕(mu)容恪統(tong)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)前往野王平叛(pan)。慕(mu)容恪率軍(jun)(jun)(jun)5萬(wan),冠軍(jun)(jun)(jun)將軍(jun)(jun)(jun)皇甫真領兵(bing)1萬(wan),進(jin)至野王城(cheng)外,呂護閉(bi)城(cheng)固守(shou)。慕(mu)容恪遂于(yu)野王城(cheng)外修筑深溝高壘,切(qie)斷守(shou)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)外援(yuan),以待機擊之(zhi)。
七月,呂(lv)(lv)護(hu)軍(jun)被圍數月,外無救(jiu)兵(bing),內無糧草(cao)。呂(lv)(lv)護(hu)被迫令部將張興(xing)率(lv)領(ling)7000人馬出城(cheng)(cheng)迎戰(zhan),張興(xing)被傅顏斬殺。當(dang)夜,呂(lv)(lv)護(hu)以黃(huang)甫(fu)真(zhen)營陣為突圍口,率(lv)城(cheng)(cheng)中銳卒試圖突圍。皇甫(fu)真(zhen)事先(xian)已做好防備,慕容(rong)恪領(ling)兵(bing)從側翼出擊,呂(lv)(lv)護(hu)所部死(si)傷(shang)慘重,呂(lv)(lv)護(hu)單(dan)騎逃往滎陽(今(jin)河南滎陽),燕軍(jun)攻(gong)克野王,結(jie)束野王之(zhi)戰(zhan)。
永和六年(nian)(350年(nian))前后(hou),原段氏(shi)鮮卑首領段蘭之子段龕乘(cheng)著后(hou)趙內(nei)亂(luan)、冉魏新立之機,統帥部眾南(nan)(nan)遷陳留(今(jin)河南(nan)(nan)開(kai)封(feng))。七月,東(dong)遷廣固(gu)(今(jin)山東(dong)青(qing)州),自稱(cheng)齊王,向東(dong)晉(jin)稱(cheng)臣,受封(feng)為鎮北將(jiang)軍。
元璽四年(nian)(355年(nian)),前燕攻滅石(shi)氏、冉(ran)魏的(de)勢(shi)力(li),開拓(tuo)疆域,成為(wei)地跨幽、冀、并、平四州的(de)政權,掙脫東晉,慕容(rong)儁(jun)自稱(cheng)為(wei)帝。段龕(kan)以為(wei)與慕容(rong)儁(jun)同出(chu)鮮卑,致書慕容(rong)儁(jun)稱(cheng)帝之非;加之段部所據廣固(gu),勢(shi)力(li)漸強,已威脅前燕的(de)統治,慕容(rong)儁(jun)遂決意發兵攻廣固(gu)。十一月,慕容(rong)儁(jun)以慕容(rong)恪為(wei)大(da)都督、撫(fu)軍(jun)將(jiang)軍(jun),尚(shang)書令陽騖為(wei)副將(jiang),率軍(jun)進(jin)攻廣固(gu)。十二月,燕軍(jun)至黃(huang)河(he)北(bei)岸,慕容(rong)恪先以輕舟渡河(he),試探虛(xu)實。
元璽五年(356年)正月,慕容恪率軍(jun)渡過黃河,距廣(guang)固百余里。段龕(kan)率軍(jun)3萬人迎戰,慕容恪于淄水(shui)戰敗段龕(kan),數千名士卒投降燕軍(jun)。段龕(kan)逃回廣(guang)固,閉(bi)城(cheng)(cheng)固守。慕容恪率燕軍(jun)在廣(guang)固城(cheng)(cheng)外修高墻挖深(shen)塹(qian)圍困之(zhi)。并招撫廣(guang)固四周諸城(cheng)(cheng),段龕(kan)所署徐(xu)州刺史王(wang)騰等于二月投降慕容恪。
慕容恪(ke)圍(wei)廣(guang)固(gu)七個月后,段龕難以支撐,遂派人(ren)向東(dong)晉求援(yuan)。八月,東(dong)晉派徐(xu)州刺史(shi)荀(xun)(xun)羨前(qian)往(wang)解圍(wei)。荀(xun)(xun)羨行至瑯琊,畏懼燕軍(jun)(jun)(jun)不進。恰逢王(wang)騰帶軍(jun)(jun)(jun)攻(gong)(gong)打鄄城(今山東(dong)鄄城),荀(xun)(xun)羨遂進攻(gong)(gong)陽(yang)都(今山東(dong)沂南),斬王(wang)騰。不久,廣(guang)固(gu)城內路人(ren)相食(shi),無(wu)以為守。段龕悉眾(zhong)出(chu)(chu)戰(zhan),被慕容恪(ke)在圍(wei)里(li)擊敗,單騎逃回城中。十一月,段龕計(ji)窮(qiong),只得出(chu)(chu)降。慕容恪(ke)安撫百姓,平定齊地,遷鮮卑、胡、羯三千余戶至薊(ji)。留慕容塵鎮廣(guang)固(gu),以尚(shang)書左丞鞠殷為東(dong)萊(lai)太(tai)守,章武(wu)太(tai)守鮮于亮為齊郡太(tai)守,率軍(jun)(jun)(jun)而還。
廣固城之戰(zhan)后(hou),東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)(jin)(jin)泰山太(tai)守(shou)諸葛攸進(jin)(jin)攻東(dong)(dong)郡(今(jin)河南濮陽)。慕容恪(ke)領(ling)統陽騖(wu)、慕容臧(zang)率(lv)兵進(jin)(jin)擊,大敗(bai)晉(jin)(jin)(jin)軍,諸葛攸退回太(tai)山(今(jin)山東(dong)(dong)泰安)。慕容恪(ke)乘(cheng)勝(sheng)渡(du)過(guo)黃河,占(zhan)領(ling)河南部分土(tu)地,并設守(shou)宰。此后(hou),前(qian)燕轄境迅速延至黃河以南,對東(dong)(dong)晉(jin)(jin)(jin)構成了(le)威脅。
光壽(shou)三年(359年),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁患病,對(dui)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪說:朕病得這么虛弱,恐怕是好(hao)不了。壽(shou)命(ming)長短,都沒有什(shen)么可怨恨的(de)了!不過(guo),現在東晉和前秦未除,太子慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐年幼。朕擔(dan)心他應(ying)付不來(lai),想效法宋(song)宣公(gong),將皇(huang)位(wei)交給你。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪堅(jian)決拒絕,更說:“陛下若果認為(wei)臣能(neng)(neng)夠承擔(dan)安定天下的(de)重責,難道就沒能(neng)(neng)好(hao)好(hao)輔助少主!”慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁聽后十分高興。
光壽四年(360年)正月,慕(mu)容(rong)儁在鄴(ye)城大(da)閱(yue)郡國之(zhi)兵,欲派大(da)軍進攻秦、晉,但病情(qing)轉危,遂召慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)、慕(mu)容(rong)鶩、慕(mu)容(rong)評及(ji)慕(mu)輿(yu)根等受遺詔輔政,旋即病卒,時年四十(shi)二歲,葬于龍(long)陵,謚(shi)號景昭皇帝,廟號烈祖。皇太(tai)(tai)(tai)子慕(mu)容(rong)暐即位,年僅十(shi)一歲。二月,尊皇后可足渾氏(shi)為皇太(tai)(tai)(tai)后,以慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)太(tai)(tai)(tai)宰、錄尚書事,行(xing)周公事,總攝朝政。
不(bu)過,當時作為(wei)太師輔政的慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)(gen)自(zi)恃戰功顯赫,高傲自(zi)大,看不(bu)起慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)(gen)為(wei)挑起事端以作亂,先以可(ke)足渾太后(hou)干政來(lai)挑撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke),謊(huang)稱支(zhi)持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)奪(duo)位。但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)不(bu)受(shou)。吳王(wang)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂以及皇(huang)甫真及后(hou)都(dou)勸(quan)他誅(zhu)殺慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)(gen),但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)以皇(huang)帝新死,國家安穩(wen)為(wei)首要,決(jue)定忍耐。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)(gen)挑撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)不(bu)成,于是試圖離間(jian)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)母子(zi),想(xiang)要太后(hou)誅(zhu)殺慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)等(deng)。新帝慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)支(zhi)持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke),勸(quan)止了(le)母親。與此同時,前燕已(yi)經在滅冉(ran)魏后(hou)遷都(dou)鄴城(cheng),以舊都(dou)龍(long)城(cheng)(今遼寧(ning)朝陽(yang)市)為(wei)留京。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)(gen)思戀遼東(dong)祖(zu)地,力勸(quan)太后(hou)和慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐(wei)建議(yi)還都(dou)龍(long)城(cheng),變(bian)相放棄(qi)中原(yuan)地區。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)知道后(hou),聯合慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)評(ping)密(mi)奏(zou)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)(gen)罪狀,派衛將軍(jun)傅顏誅(zhu)殺了(le)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)(gen)(gen)及其(qi)黨羽。
面對皇帝新死,就發(fa)生誅殺輔政(zheng)(zheng)重臣的(de)事件,國(guo)(guo)內憂(you)慮情(qing)緒很(hen)高(gao)。慕(mu)(mu)容恪舉止如(ru)常,出入都(dou)只有一人跟從,不肯加添守衛。然后大赦(she)天下,并停發(fa)慕(mu)(mu)容儁生前所集各(ge)路兵員,受(shou)任(ren)(ren)理政(zheng)(zheng),兢(jing)兢(jing)嚴謹,與司徒慕(mu)(mu)容評共(gong)同協作,虛心待士,諮(zi)諏善道(dao),量才授(shou)任(ren)(ren),燕政(zheng)(zheng)為之(zhi)一新。于是,境內局勢漸穩(wen)(wen),人心稍(shao)為安定(ding)。同時,原先征集在(zai)鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)的(de)各(ge)郡軍人都(dou)因為國(guo)(guo)家(jia)內部紛亂而(er)(er)經(jing)常逃跑(pao),而(er)(er)鄴(ye)城(cheng)(cheng)向(xiang)南(nan)(nan)方領地的(de)道(dao)路通(tong)訊不暢(chang)通(tong)。慕(mu)(mu)容恪命令慕(mu)(mu)容垂南(nan)(nan)鎮蠡臺(今河(he)南(nan)(nan)商丘),傅顏率(lv)軍南(nan)(nan)巡淮河(he),終令國(guo)(guo)家(jia)安穩(wen)(wen)下來。
建熙六年(365年)二(er)月(yue)(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)恪與吳王(wang)慕(mu)容(rong)垂(chui)共攻洛陽(yang)。三(san)月(yue)(yue),克之(zhi),俘虜揚武(wu)將軍沈(shen)(shen)(shen)勁。慕(mu)容(rong)恪惜之(zhi)為奇士欲赦免,慕(mu)容(rong)虔(qian)上書說(shuo):沈(shen)(shen)(shen)勁雖為奇士,卻終不可為己所(suo)用,留之(zhi)必患。遂斬殺沈(shen)(shen)(shen)勁。
慕(mu)(mu)容恪奪(duo)取洛陽后,隨即略(lve)地至崤山、澠池,關(guan)中大震,前秦(qin)天王苻(fu)堅(jian)親自到陜城進行防(fang)備。不(bu)久(jiu),慕(mu)(mu)容恪率軍撤回鄴城。
當(dang)時吳王(wang)慕容垂才能出眾,慕容恪對其(qi)非(fei)常倚重,曾多次向燕主(zhu)進(jin)行推(tui)薦。
建熙七年(nian)(366年(nian)),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪病(bing)重,深慮(lv)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐手中無實權,而慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)評又多猜忌(ji),便對慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐之兄(xiong)、樂安王慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)臧(zang)舉薦吳王慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)垂,但是(shi)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)臧(zang)沒有聽從(cong)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪的話。
慕容(rong)(rong)暐親臨慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)府向(xiang)他(ta)詢問后(hou)事,慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)再次向(xiang)慕容(rong)(rong)暐推薦(jian)慕容(rong)(rong)垂,說:“我聽聞(wen),傅(fu)說舉薦(jian)士人。板筑之人都可以(yi),更何況是(shi)國家的懿(yi)籓!吳王兼具文武之才,才能僅次于管仲、蕭何。陛下如果(guo)把(ba)政(zheng)務交給(gei)他(ta),國家就能獲得安定(ding)。不(bu)然,我怕二寇肯(ken)定(ding)會有(you)窺窬之計(ji)。”慕容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)言終而卒。死(si)后(hou),贈本官(guan),謚(shi)號為桓。
慕容恪(ke)一生,戰昌黎、密云,破高句麗(li)、宇(yu)文部,攻石趙(zhao)殘余,滅(mie)冉魏、段齊,討(tao)呂(lv)護平野王,擊東晉下洛陽,戰功赫赫,構筑了前燕的最大版圖。同時,慕容儁死后,官拜太宰,輔佐幼(you)主(zhu)慕容暐(wei),以謙恭寬和(he)的姿(zi)態穩定(ding)國政,使得(de)國內(nei)相對穩定(ding)。
慕容皝:“恪智勇俱濟,汝其委之。”
王猛:“慕容玄恭,信奇士也,可謂古(gu)之遺(yi)愛矣!”
崔浩(hao):“王猛之(zhi)經國(guo),苻(fu)堅之(zhi)管仲(zhong)也;慕(mu)容恪之(zhi)輔少主,慕(mu)容暐(wei)之(zhi)霍光也。”
張預(yu):“沉深有大(da)度(du)。......容貌魁杰,雄(xiong)毅嚴(yan)重,每所言(yan)及,輒經綸世務,.......數從皝征伐(fa),臨機多奇策。......雖執權政事,必諮之(zhi)于(yu)評。罷朝歸第,則(ze)盡心色養,手不釋卷。.......恪為(wei)將不尚威(wei)嚴(yan),專以恩(en)信御物(wu),務于(yu)大(da)略,不以小令勞眾。軍(jun)士有犯法,密縱舍(she)之(zhi),捕(bu)斬賊首(shou)以令軍(jun)。營內不整似可(ke)犯,而(er)防(fang)御甚(shen)嚴(yan),終無喪敗。........恪之(zhi)為(wei)將,專以恩(en)信而(er)不尚威(wei)嚴(yan)是也(ye)。”
張預: “孫子曰:‘輔周(zhou)則國必強。’恪(ke)(ke)在(zai)中原,桓溫(wen)以謂所憂方大。又(you)曰:‘卒(zu)未親附而罰之,則不服。’恪(ke)(ke)之為將(jiang),專以恩信而不尚威(wei)嚴(yan)是也。”
陳普(pu):“霜雹風沙雜(za)亂飛,段(duan)龕(kan)地下見春歸。時來但處(chu)周公位,歷舉華人(ren)百世希。”“當(dang)時人(ren)才南有(you)謝(xie)安,北有(you)慕容恪(ke),西有(you)王猛(meng)。較其(qi)分數(shu),玄恭其(qi)賢矣(yi),安石善處(chu)轇(jiu)轕之際,富貴之心薄而家世清虛,無能(neng)遠猷。王景略干將吳鉤薄于(yu)德矣(yi)。玄恭才優(you)而心正(zheng),獨不能(neng)力主(zhu)。李績(ji)終(zhong)殺,沈勁為(wei)可恨。而其(qi)討段(duan)龕(kan),城下數(shu)語,天地鬼(gui)神實聞之事。”
張大(da)齡:“慕容氏(shi)自龍(long)驤以來,世豪東(dong)夏(xia),其(qi)子(zi)孫俱英朗雄杰,發在童孺(ru),天(tian)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)所(suo)興(xing),其(qi)誰(shui)廢之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!太原德業邁於狐趙(zhao),吳(wu)王(wang)(wang)才器不(bu)下(xia)管(guan)蕭。昔舜生諸馮,東(dong)夷之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人可(ke)以其(qi)鮮卑而(er)(er)少(shao)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)?償恪(ke)而(er)(er)不(bu)死,更得(de)明主事之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),與吳(wu)王(wang)(wang)垂左提右挈,驅駕才俊,混一之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)業,指顧(gu)而(er)(er)定矣!乃吳(wu)王(wang)(wang)力(li)足(zu)以討評(ping),而(er)(er)不(bu)為首亂(luan);時(shi)足(zu)以取堅,而(er)(er)還其(qi)舊兵;威足(zu)以困丕,而(er)(er)開以生路,尤人所(suo)難者。至(zhi)於八十之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)齡,取西(xi)燕如(ru)拾(shi)芥,挫魏兵如(ru)發蒙,真(zhen)太原所(suo)謂(wei)命(ming)世之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)才也(ye)。后來亡(wang)國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)主,猶自翹(qiao)然,身在鼎(ding)俎,神色不(bu)變。蓋先世大(da)有(you)功德,故子(zi)孫蹶而(er)(er)復(fu)奮,不(bu)若諸胡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)一敗涂地(di)。予於和龍(long)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,獨有(you)取爾者以此(ci)。太尉裕平燕之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)日,欲坑廣(guang)固,得(de)韓范諫而(er)(er)止。嗚(wu)呼!燕何(he)罪(zui)哉(zai)(zai)!前燕開基,取之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)劉(liu)石。后燕恢復(fu),奪之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)苻秦。燕何(he)罪(zui)哉(zai)(zai)!而(er)(er)戮之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)若斯之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)慘也(ye)。太尉此(ci)舉,不(bu)惟遠愧三代(dai)吊伐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)師,且(qie)近有(you)怍於玄恭(gong)景(jing)略(lve)矣。惜哉(zai)(zai)!”
《廣名將傳》:“前燕慕容恪,深沉有(you)略。皝授以兵,從征(zheng)參酌。使(shi)(shi)鎮遼東(dong),寇不(bu)敢作。嗣雋親(qin)之,立功不(bu)薄(bo)。俊死暐孤,復以后托(tuo)。有(you)謀中原,桓曰大錯。慕容恪存,憂(you)方(fang)如昨。慕輿根誅,內外錯愕。恪獨安之,使(shi)(shi)人把捉。罷(ba)朝(chao)而(er)歸,養親(qin)為樂。臨死薦賢(xian),報恩急(ji)著。忠孝(xiao)若斯,才(cai)應兼學。”
王夫之(zhi):“五胡(hu)旋(xuan)(xuan)起旋(xuan)(xuan)滅,而(er)中(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)死于(yu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)刃者(zhe)(zhe)不(bu)可(ke)(ke)殫計。殫中(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)民于(yu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)刃,而(er)其(qi)旋(xuan)(xuan)起者(zhe)(zhe)亦必(bi)旋(xuan)(xuan)滅。其(qi)能有人之(zhi)心(xin)而(er)因以自(zi)全者(zhe)(zhe),唯(wei)慕容恪(ke)乎(hu)!故中(zhong)國(guo)之(zhi)君,一姓不(bu)再興(xing),而(er)慕容氏既滅而(er)復起。恪(ke)圍段龕于(yu)廣(guang)固,諸將請亟攻(gong)之(zhi),恪(ke)曰(yue):“龕兵(bing)(bing)(bing)尚眾,未有離心(xin),盡銳攻(gong)之(zhi),殺吾士卒必(bi)多矣,自(zi)有事中(zhong)原(yuan),兵(bing)(bing)(bing)不(bu)暫息,吾每念之(zhi),夜(ye)而(er)忘(wang)寐,要在取之(zhi),不(bu)必(bi)求功之(zhi)速(su)。”嗚呼(hu)!惻悱之(zhi)言,自(zi)其(qi)中(zhong)發,功成而(er)人免于(yu)死,恪(ke)可(ke)(ke)不(bu)謂夷(yi)中(zhong)之(zhi)錚(zheng)錚(zheng)者(zhe)(zhe)乎(hu)!”
李鴻章:“為國(guo)者,但(dan)問自(zi)治,而(er)不(bu)依他人(ren)之(zhi)禍福(fu)。晉人(ren)喜慕容(rong)儁之(zhi)沒,豈知慕容(rong)恪之(zhi)更勝。今日急務(wu),莫先儲才(cai)。培植(zhi)人(ren)才(cai)必以學(xue)堂為根本。”
宋(song)丹(dan)凝:“雖然慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪為一代名將,但(dan)其(qi)政治功(gong)績也非常大(da)。在慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁死后,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪甘為周公,輔佐幼主(zhu)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐;官(guan)至太宰,虛懷待物,知人善任(ren);整頓(dun)吏治,嚴明(ming)賞罰,謙虛謹(jin)慎,從不專斷;誅殺叛(pan)臣慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿根,穩(wen)定朝政。前(qian)燕政局的穩(wen)定,多半是(shi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪的功(gong)勞(lao)。”
梁(liang)軍:“慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪的(de)一生,也是(shi)前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)由弱(ruo)變(bian)強的(de)一段時(shi)間(jian)。他(ta)歷事(shi)三主(zhu),在慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)皝與(yu)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁在位時(shi),率軍南征北戰,開疆拓土,輔佐(zuo)幼主(zhu)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐七年(nian)間(jian),前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)政治(zhi)空前(qian)穩(wen)定,所以他(ta)在燕(yan)(yan)國(guo)所占(zhan)的(de)重要地位是(shi)不言而喻的(de)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁死(si)后,東晉認為有機可乘,桓溫則說:‘慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪尚存,所憂方為大耳(er)。’在其死(si)后,前(qian)秦(qin)、東晉先后攻打前(qian)燕(yan)(yan),前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)也迅速滅亡(wang),這從另一方面也反映(ying)出慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪對于(yu)前(qian)燕(yan)(yan)的(de)重要性。”
萬繩(sheng)楠:“慕容恪以其驚人(ren)的(de)戰績(ji),被(bei)后世(shi)譽為‘十六國第一名將(jiang)’。”