歸順劉秀
耿(geng)弇(yan)的父親耿(geng)況,曾與王莽從弟王伋同學(xue)(xue),后為朔調連率(lv)(即上(shang)谷太(tai)守)。耿(geng)弇(yan)少年(nian)時期(qi)以勤奮好學(xue)(xue)著(zhu)稱。常(chang)見(jian)郡中歲(sui)終舉行郡試,講(jiang)武練兵,由衷愛(ai)好,因而(er)學(xue)(xue)習騎射,喜好兵法。
更(geng)始(shi)元年(23),劉(liu)玄建立更(geng)始(shi)政(zheng)權(quan),派遣將領占據(ju)各地,其(qi)中有(you)人(ren)憑借(jie)權(quan)勢撤(che)換了(le)一(yi)些郡(jun)縣的(de)(de)太(tai)守縣令。耿況因是王(wang)莽任命的(de)(de)官員,心中非(fei)常不安(an),命年方二十一(yi)歲的(de)(de)耿弇去朝見(jian)劉(liu)玄,貢獻方物,以(yi)(yi)圖(tu)鞏固自己的(de)(de)地位。耿弇從上(shang)谷南行(xing)至宋子縣,適(shi)逢(feng)王(wang)郎(lang)自稱漢成帝之(zhi)子劉(liu)子輿,在(zai)邯鄲起事(shi)。隨從耿弇的(de)(de)上(shang)谷郡(jun)吏孫倉、衛(wei)包信以(yi)(yi)為真,遂投(tou)奔王(wang)郎(lang)。耿弇因長安(an)道(dao)路阻隔,聽說更(geng)始(shi)大(da)司馬劉(liu)秀在(zai)盧奴,乃北上(shang)晉(jin)見(jian),被任命為門下吏。耿弇請求回上(shang)谷發兵攻取邯鄲,劉(liu)秀笑道(dao):“小小年紀竟有(you)大(da)志啊!”因此數(shu)次召見(jian)他并加恩慰。
不久,劉(liu)秀北至薊(ji)(ji)(ji)城(cheng)。后來(lai),劉(liu)秀聽說邯鄲派(pai)兵來(lai)薊(ji)(ji)(ji),欲要(yao)南下,召(zhao)集官(guan)(guan)屬(shu)(shu)商議。耿弇(yan)道:“漁(yu)陽太守(shou)彭(peng)寵,是(shi)您的(de)同(tong)鄉;上谷太守(shou),是(shi)我的(de)父(fu)親。發動這兩郡(jun)人馬,有萬騎之眾,邯鄲是(shi)容(rong)易(yi)奪取的(de)。”劉(liu)秀官(guan)(guan)屬(shu)(shu)都(dou)不愿北行,劉(liu)秀卻指著(zhu)耿弇(yan)道:“這是(shi)我的(de)北道主(zhu)人。”恰巧這時薊(ji)(ji)(ji)城(cheng)騷亂,劉(liu)秀匆忙南下,官(guan)(guan)屬(shu)(shu)各(ge)自分散。
平定河北
更始二(er)(er)(er)年(nian)(24),耿(geng)(geng)弇回到(dao)昌平,勸說父親耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)歸(gui)附劉(liu)秀。耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)派寇(kou)恂前往漁(yu)陽(yang),約同漁(yu)陽(yang)太(tai)守彭寵發兵支持劉(liu)秀,二(er)(er)(er)郡(jun)各發騎(qi)兵二(er)(er)(er)千(qian)、步兵一(yi)千(qian)。于是,耿(geng)(geng)弇、寇(kou)恂、景(jing)丹率(lv)上谷兵與吳漢所率(lv)漁(yu)陽(yang)兵會(hui)師(shi)南(nan)下,沿途(tu)擊斬(zhan)王(wang)郎的大(da)將(jiang)(jiang)、九卿、校尉(wei)以下四百余人,攻取涿(zhuo)郡(jun)、中山、巨(ju)鹿、清河、河間所屬二(er)(er)(er)十二(er)(er)(er)縣,終于在廣阿追(zhui)上了劉(liu)秀。這時,劉(liu)秀正在進(jin)攻王(wang)郎,見二(er)(er)(er)郡(jun)兵馬前來非常(chang)高興(xing),封耿(geng)(geng)況(kuang)為(wei)大(da)將(jiang)(jiang)軍、歸(gui)義侯,耿(geng)(geng)弇、吳漢等(deng)人皆為(wei)偏將(jiang)(jiang)軍。此(ci)后,耿(geng)(geng)弇等(deng)人隨劉(liu)秀攻克邯鄲。
劉(liu)玄見劉(liu)秀聲威日盛,對(dui)他(ta)產生(sheng)疑忌,于是遣使者立其為(wei)蕭(xiao)王,令他(ta)罷兵(bing)率(lv)領部下將(jiang)士回長安,又派遣苗曾為(wei)幽州牧,韋順為(wei)上谷太守,蔡充為(wei)漁陽(yang)太守,企圖瓦(wa)解劉(liu)秀在(zai)河(he)北的(de)(de)(de)勢力。當時劉(liu)秀居住(zhu)于邯鄲宮溫(wen)明殿,耿弇前至床前道:“今更(geng)始失(shi)政,君臣淫亂,諸將(jiang)在(zai)京畿之(zhi)內擅作威福,王公(gong)貴戚們(men)在(zai)京都縱橫暴虐。天子(zi)之(zhi)命,出不了城(cheng)門,下面的(de)(de)(de)州牧郡(jun)守,動不動就被(bei)遷徙(xi)更(geng)換(huan),百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)不知(zhi)所從,士民(min)莫(mo)敢(gan)自安。虜(lu)掠(lve)財物,劫掠(lve)婦(fu)女,懷(huai)有(you)金玉(yu)的(de)(de)(de)大富顯(xian)貴,沒有(you)能生(sheng)還的(de)(de)(de)。平民(min)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)捶胸頓足(zu),反而更(geng)加思念王莽。又有(you)銅馬、赤(chi)眉等起(qi)義(yi)軍(jun),擁眾數十百(bai)萬,更(geng)始不能剿滅。更(geng)始的(de)(de)(de)失(shi)敗為(wei)期(qi)不遠。您首舉(ju)義(yi)旗于南陽(yang),破百(bai)萬之(zhi)軍(jun);今平定河(he)北,據有(you)天府之(zhi)地。以(yi)大義(yi)討(tao)伐(fa),發(fa)出號令,群起(qi)響應(ying),天下只要(yao)(yao)傳(chuan)檄就可平定。天下是最為(wei)重(zhong)要(yao)(yao)的(de)(de)(de),不可讓外(wai)姓(xing)(xing)人得到。聽(ting)(ting)說有(you)使者從西方來(lai),要(yao)(yao)你(ni)罷兵(bing),千(qian)萬別聽(ting)(ting)。今官吏士卒死亡(wang)的(de)(de)(de)多,我愿回幽州去,增發(fa)精兵(bing),以(yi)成大計(ji)。”
劉秀聽了十分(fen)高(gao)興,拜耿(geng)弇(yan)為大將軍(jun)(jun),令他與吳漢北(bei)上征發幽州十郡兵(bing)馬。耿(geng)弇(yan)到上谷,斬(zhan)殺韋順(shun)、蔡充(chong),吳漢也(ye)殺掉苗曾。不久,耿(geng)弇(yan)率幽州兵(bing)南(nan)下,隨劉秀轉戰河(he)北(bei),擊破銅馬、高(gao)湖、青犢、赤眉、尤來(lai)、五幡(fan)、大槍(qiang)等各路(lu)農(nong)民(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun),耿(geng)弇(yan)經常率精騎為前鋒(feng),屢立戰功。劉秀回薊之后,耿(geng)弇(yan)與吳漢、景丹、蓋(gai)延、朱祐、邳彤、耿(geng)純、劉植(zhi)、岑彭(peng)、祭遵、王霸、陳俊、堅鐔、馬武十三(san)將軍(jun)(jun)繼續追擊農(nong)民(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun)殘部,在(zai)潞東、平谷,連續重創敵軍(jun)(jun),斬(zhan)首(shou)一萬三(san)千(qian)余級,最后一直追到右北(bei)平郡的(de)無終縣(今天津薊縣)、土(tu)垠(yin)縣(今河(he)北(bei)豐潤縣)、俊靡(今河(he)北(bei)遵化(hua)市),將農(nong)民(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun)殘部消滅得干干凈凈。
橫掃齊魯
建(jian)武元(yuan)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(25),劉(liu)(liu)秀稱帝。耿(geng)弇(yan)拜建(jian)威大將軍,與(yu)(yu)(yu)(yu)景丹、陳俊(jun)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)破(po)厭新賊。建(jian)武二年(nian)(nian)(nian)(26),耿(geng)弇(yan)封(feng)(feng)好(hao)畤侯(hou),食邑兩(liang)縣(xian)(xian)。建(jian)武三(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(27),延(yan)(yan)岑自漢中出武關,侵擾南陽各縣(xian)(xian),攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)破(po)數(shu)城。耿(geng)弇(yan)率軍與(yu)(yu)(yu)(yu)延(yan)(yan)岑大戰于穰縣(xian)(xian),大敗(bai)敵(di)軍,斬首三(san)千(qian)余級、俘獲(huo)五(wu)千(qian)余人,繳獲(huo)印綬三(san)百。延(yan)(yan)岑率數(shu)騎(qi)逃奔東(dong)陽,與(yu)(yu)(yu)(yu)秦(qin)豐合(he)兵(bing)(bing)一處。此時,彭寵(chong)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)陷(xian)薊城,自稱燕王,涿郡太守(shou)張(zhang)豐起(qi)兵(bing)(bing)響(xiang)應。耿(geng)弇(yan)擊敗(bai)延(yan)(yan)岑后,隨劉(liu)(liu)秀至(zhi)舂陵,請求“定(ding)彭寵(chong)于漁(yu)陽,取張(zhang)豐于涿郡,還(huan)收富平(ping)、獲(huo)索,東(dong)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)張(zhang)步(bu),以平(ping)齊地”。劉(liu)(liu)秀甚(shen)為嘉許。建(jian)武四年(nian)(nian)(nian)(28),劉(liu)(liu)秀命(ming)耿(geng)弇(yan)進(jin)(jin)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)漁(yu)陽。耿(geng)弇(yan)因(yin)父親耿(geng)況(kuang)曾與(yu)(yu)(yu)(yu)彭寵(chong)有(you)交(jiao)情,又沒有(you)家屬留在洛陽,恐怕引起(qi)疑心(xin),上書請求回還(huan)洛陽。劉(liu)(liu)秀下詔要他放心(xin),并命(ming)他與(yu)(yu)(yu)(yu)王常一起(qi)屯兵(bing)(bing)涿郡。耿(geng)況(kuang)聞知命(ming)耿(geng)國到洛陽侍候天子,以表忠心(xin)。劉(liu)(liu)秀進(jin)(jin)封(feng)(feng)耿(geng)況(kuang)為隃麋侯(hou),命(ming)耿(geng)弇(yan)與(yu)(yu)(yu)(yu)建(jian)義大將軍朱祐、漢忠將軍王常等(deng)進(jin)(jin)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)望都(dou)、故安等(deng)地十余營壘,都(dou)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)破(po)了。建(jian)武五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(29),耿(geng)弇(yan)與(yu)(yu)(yu)(yu)大司馬吳漢迫降平(ping)原地區的(de)富平(ping)、獲(huo)索兩(liang)支農民軍。劉(liu)(liu)秀遂(sui)命(ming)耿(geng)弇(yan)進(jin)(jin)討張(zhang)步(bu)。
耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)收集降兵(bing)和(he)部曲、任(ren)命官吏,率(lv)騎都尉(wei)劉歆、太(tai)山太(tai)守(shou)陳俊(jun)率(lv)兵(bing)東進,從(cong)朝陽(yang)橋渡(du)河(he)。張(zhang)步得(de)知,派(pai)大將軍費邑(yi)屯軍歷下,又分兵(bing)屯祝(zhu)阿,又在太(tai)山鐘(zhong)城(cheng)(cheng)列數十座軍營待耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)來攻(gong)(gong)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)渡(du)過(guo)黃河(he)后先攻(gong)(gong)取祝(zhu)阿,圍城(cheng)(cheng)時(shi)故意留(liu)一(yi)角,使祝(zhu)阿人逃(tao)奔鐘(zhong)城(cheng)(cheng)。鐘(zhong)城(cheng)(cheng)兵(bing)民聞祝(zhu)阿失守(shou),紛紛逃(tao)奔,于是漢軍不戰(zhan)而取得(de)了鐘(zhong)城(cheng)(cheng)要(yao)塞。費邑(yi)又派(pai)其弟費敢把(ba)守(shou)要(yao)隘巨(ju)里(地名(ming))。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)令軍中(zhong)修(xiu)理攻(gong)(gong)具,揚言三(san)(san)日后攻(gong)(gong)巨(ju)里,引誘費邑(yi)前(qian)來救援(yuan)。費邑(yi)果然統率(lv)三(san)(san)萬精(jing)兵(bing)前(qian)來,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)留(liu)三(san)(san)千人圍巨(ju)里,自率(lv)精(jing)兵(bing)埋(mai)伏山坡兩側,當費邑(yi)兵(bing)到,居高臨下沖潰敵軍,斬殺費邑(yi),把(ba)費邑(yi)的首級(ji)向巨(ju)里城(cheng)(cheng)守(shou)兵(bing)展示,城(cheng)(cheng)中(zhong)守(shou)兵(bing)驚(jing)懼(ju),費敢率(lv)眾逃(tao)歸張(zhang)步。然后,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)縱兵(bing)掃蕩未降的殘兵(bing)四(si)十余(yu)營,一(yi)舉平定了濟南郡。
當時張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步定(ding)(ding)都于劇(ju)(ju)縣(xian)(今山東昌(chang)樂縣(xian)西(xi)(xi)(xi)),耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)克濟南郡(jun)(jun)后,進(jin)逼劇(ju)(ju)城(cheng)(cheng)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步派其弟張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)率(lv)領精兵(bing)二(er)萬(wan)駐守(shou)臨淄(zi)西(xi)(xi)(xi)北的(de)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)(an),各郡(jun)(jun)太守(shou)所部萬(wan)余人駐守(shou)臨淄(zi),相距四十(shi)余里。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)進(jin)軍(jun)畫(hua)中(地名(ming)),處(chu)在二(er)城(cheng)(cheng)之間。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)見西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)(an)城(cheng)(cheng)小而堅(jian)固,張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)部下(xia)多是精兵(bing),易守(shou)難攻(gong)(gong)(gong),臨淄(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)雖(sui)大(da)而易攻(gong)(gong)(gong),便(bian)(bian)準備采取聲東擊西(xi)(xi)(xi)的(de)策略(lve),揚言五日(ri)后將攻(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)(an)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)聞(wen)知后,日(ri)夜警戒嚴守(shou)。到(dao)(dao)(dao)了(le)后四日(ri)夜半,耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)卻命諸將半夜出發(fa),至(zhi)天(tian)明趕(gan)到(dao)(dao)(dao)臨淄(zi)城(cheng)(cheng)下(xia)。護軍(jun)荀梁等認為應(ying)速攻(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)(an)。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)道:“西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)(an)聽說(shuo)我們(men)要攻(gong)(gong)(gong)它(ta),日(ri)夜作(zuo)了(le)準備;臨淄(zi)出其不(bu)(bu)意(yi)而到(dao)(dao)(dao),必(bi)定(ding)(ding)驚擾,我攻(gong)(gong)(gong)它(ta)一天(tian)就能(neng)拿(na)下(xia)。攻(gong)(gong)(gong)下(xia)臨淄(zi)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)(an)就孤立了(le),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)與張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步隔絕,必(bi)定(ding)(ding)再逃(tao)亡而去,這就是擊一而得二(er)的(de)良計。若(ruo)先攻(gong)(gong)(gong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)安(an)(an)(an),一時不(bu)(bu)能(neng)破城(cheng)(cheng),屯兵(bing)在堅(jian)城(cheng)(cheng)之下(xia),死傷必(bi)多,即使能(neng)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)下(xia),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)引軍(jun)還奔臨淄(zi),合(he)并兵(bing)力(li),坐觀虛(xu)實,我深入敵地,后面糧草供應(ying)不(bu)(bu)上,十(shi)日(ri)之間,不(bu)(bu)戰而困了(le)。諸君的(de)意(yi)見,不(bu)(bu)見得合(he)適。”于是進(jin)攻(gong)(gong)(gong)臨淄(zi),半天(tian)便(bian)(bian)破城(cheng)(cheng),進(jin)據城(cheng)(cheng)內。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)(lan)聽到(dao)(dao)(dao)后率(lv)部逃(tao)歸劇(ju)(ju)縣(xian)。
耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)命令軍(jun)中(zhong)不得妄自(zi)侵(qin)掠(lve)劇縣,必須等到(dao)(dao)張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)到(dao)(dao)了才進攻(gong)劇縣,以(yi)(yi)激怒張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)。張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)聽(ting)到(dao)(dao)后大(da)(da)笑(xiao)說(shuo):“以(yi)(yi)尤來、大(da)(da)彤十(shi)(shi)多萬眾,我都就其營(ying)而(er)打敗(bai)他(ta)。今天耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)比他(ta)們少,又都疲勞,有什(shen)么(me)可(ke)怕呢!”于(yu)是(shi)與(yu)三弟張(zhang)(zhang)藍(lan)、張(zhang)(zhang)弘、張(zhang)(zhang)壽及(ji)大(da)(da)彤大(da)(da)帥重異等率(lv)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)到(dao)(dao)臨淄(zi)(zi)大(da)(da)城東,欲攻(gong)打耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)先出淄(zi)(zi)水,與(yu)重異相遇(yu),故(gu)意示弱以(yi)(yi)盛(sheng)其氣焰,回(hui)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)小城,陳(chen)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)城內。張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)氣盛(sheng),直攻(gong)耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)營(ying)地,與(yu)劉(liu)歆等大(da)(da)戰(zhan)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)登上(shang)王宮的壞臺觀(guan)看,又自(zi)率(lv)精(jing)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)從側面突擊張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)陣,大(da)(da)破張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)。戰(zhan)中(zhong),飛矢(shi)射(she)中(zhong)耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)股部,耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)用(yong)佩刀斬斷箭(jian)矢(shi),左右都不知道耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)中(zhong)了箭(jian)矢(shi)。次(ci)(ci)日(ri)早晨(chen)(chen),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)又勒兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)出戰(zhan)。當(dang)時(shi)劉(liu)秀在魯,得知耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)被張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)所攻(gong),正親自(zi)趕來援助耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)。陳(chen)俊對耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“劇賊兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)強盛(sheng),可(ke)暫(zan)時(shi)閉營(ying)休養士卒,以(yi)(yi)等待皇帝到(dao)(dao)來。”耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“天子將到(dao)(dao),臣子應殺(sha)(sha)牛灑酒以(yi)(yi)等待百(bai)官(guan)的到(dao)(dao)來,反而(er)還(huan)要以(yi)(yi)賊虜來麻煩(fan)君上(shang)嗎(ma)?”于(yu)是(shi)出兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)大(da)(da)戰(zhan),自(zi)清晨(chen)(chen)至黃昏,再次(ci)(ci)大(da)(da)破張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)軍(jun),殺(sha)(sha)傷無數。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)知道張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)困將退(tui),預(yu)先設置左右兩翼(yi)伏兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)以(yi)(yi)待。到(dao)(dao)深夜,張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)果然引兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)退(tui)去,兩翼(yi)伏兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)奮起(qi)縱擊,追到(dao)(dao)鉅昧水,八九十(shi)(shi)里死(si)尸相連,收(shou)得輜重兩千多輛。張(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)逃回(hui)劇縣,兄弟各(ge)自(zi)分兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)散去。
幾日后(hou),劉秀親自到(dao)臨淄勞(lao)軍(jun)。群臣大會,劉秀盛(sheng)贊(zan)耿弇(yan),并將其與韓信(xin)相比。不久,耿弇(yan)再(zai)(zai)次追擊張(zhang)步。張(zhang)步逃到(dao)平壽,脫去上(shang)衣身負(fu)斧锧請罪(zui)于(yu)軍(jun)門。耿弇(yan)送張(zhang)步到(dao)行(xing)在,而勒兵(bing)進(jin)據其城,收降(jiang)張(zhang)步的兵(bing)眾十余(yu)萬,輜重七千余(yu)兩,全部遣散他(ta)們(men)回鄉。后(hou)來。耿弇(yan)再(zai)(zai)引兵(bing)至(zhi)城陽(yang),收降(jiang)五校余(yu)黨,平定齊地,凱(kai)旋回京(jing)。
征討隴右
建(jian)武六年(30),耿(geng)弇西拒隗囂(xiao),劉(liu)秀命耿(geng)弇等(deng)七將軍從隴道伐蜀,耿(geng)弇屯兵(bing)于漆縣(xian)。
建武八年(32),耿弇又隨劉秀進(jin)攻隴右,耿弇與虎(hu)牙大(da)將軍(jun)蓋延圍上邽。
建武九年(33),耿弇(yan)與中郎(lang)將(jiang)來歙分兵平定(ding)安定(ding)、北地諸營堡。
建武十年(34),耿弇與來(lai)歙、蓋延等攻(gong)破落門,隗純投降。
晚年生活
建武十三年(37),劉秀(xiu)(xiu)命增加耿弇的食邑(yi)。不久,耿弇上繳大將軍印綬(shou),以列侯身份列席朝會。劉秀(xiu)(xiu)每遇四(si)方有不同意見,經常召見耿弇顧問籌策。
永(yong)平元年(58),耿弇病逝(shi),年五(wu)十六(liu)歲,謚(shi)曰愍侯。
總評
在(zai)東(dong)征的一系列戰役中,耿弇充分顯(xian)示了(le)他(ta)的軍事才能。在(zai)各個戰役中,他(ta)采用(yong)了(le)心(xin)理戰、攻(gong)堅戰、圍城打援(yuan)、聲東(dong)擊西(xi)、避強擊弱(ruo)等一系列戰術,而且運用(yong)巧妙,每戰必勝。耿弇是一個難(nan)得的勇將,在(zai)自身中箭負傷的情況下(xia),鎮定自若,繼續激勵部下(xia)戰斗,充分顯(xian)示出將帥的風(feng)度。
歷代評價
范(fan)曄在(zai)《后(hou)漢書》中(zhong),將耿弇獨列一傳(chuan),并評價道:
弇(yan)凡(fan)所平郡(jun)四十六,屠城三百,未嘗挫(cuo)折。
論曰:淮陰廷(ting)論項王,審(shen)料(liao)成埶,則知高祖之(zhi)廟勝矣。耿弇決策河北,定計南陽,亦見光武之(zhi)業成矣。然弇自(zi)克(ke)拔全齊,而(er)無復(fu)尺寸功。夫豈不懷?將(jiang)(jiang)時之(zhi)度(du)數,不足以(yi)相容乎(hu)?三(san)世(shi)為將(jiang)(jiang),道家所(suo)忌,而(er)耿氏(shi)累葉以(yi)功名自(zi)終。將(jiang)(jiang)其(qi)用兵欲(yu)以(yi)殺止殺乎(hu)?何其(qi)獨(du)能(neng)隆也!
贊曰(yue):好畤經武,能畫能兵。往收(shou)燕卒,來(lai)集(ji)漢營。請閑趙殿,釃(shi)酒(jiu)齊城。
劉秀(xiu):昔韓(han)信(xin)破(po)歷下以開基(ji),今將(jiang)軍攻祝阿以發跡,此皆齊之(zhi)西界,功(gong)足相(xiang)方。而韓(han)信(xin)襲擊已降(jiang),將(jiang)軍獨拔勁(jing)敵,其功(gong)乃難于信(xin)也。
慕容鐘:昔韓信以(yi)裨(bi)將伐(fa)齊,有征無戰;耿弇以(yi)偏軍(jun)討步(bu),克(ke)不移朔。
《十七史百將(jiang)傳》:“孫子曰:‘善戰者,致(zhi)人而不致(zhi)于(yu)人。’弇逼巨里而致(zhi)費邑(yi)。又曰:‘善攻者,敵不知其所守(shou)。’弇攻西安而拔(ba)臨淄是也。”
洪邁:耿弇與光武同討王郎,愿歸幽州,益(yi)發精(jing)兵,定彭寵,取張(zhang)豐,還收(shou)富平(ping)、獲索,東攻張(zhang)步,以平(ping)齊地,帝常以為(wei)落落難合,而事竟成。
陳元靚:弱冠稱兵,時惟好矣。附翼攀鱗,風(feng)飛云起。力贊真人,身(shen)先突騎。底定三秦,淮陰之比。
徐鈞:馳召蕭王命(ming)罷兵(bing),獻(xian)謀懷貳見尤明(ming)。平齊定趙基圖壯,有志方知事竟成。
葉居升:世(shi)間奇才,罕有如顏回、耿弇(yan)、鄧禹者,固未可拘于常法。
王夫之(zhi):光武所與興(xing)者,南陽崛起之(zhi)流輩(bei),而(er)其(qi)收河(he)北以為根本,則唯得耿弇、寇恂、吳漢而(er)大業定。
鄭觀應:古之所謂將(jiang)(jiang)才(cai)者,曰儒(ru)將(jiang)(jiang)、曰大將(jiang)(jiang)、曰才(cai)將(jiang)(jiang)、曰戰將(jiang)(jiang)。孫臏、吳起(qi)(qi)、白起(qi)(qi)、耿弇、楊素、慕容(rong)紹宗、李光弼、馬燧等,才(cai)將(jiang)(jiang)也。
李景(jing)星(xing):淮陰無基可藉,弇則(ze)(ze)有業可承;淮陰誅(zhu)及本身,弇則(ze)(ze)榮施后世。論其始終,適成反對(dui);至其建功立業,兩人如出一轍。……弇入造床(chuang)下請間說光(guang)武(wu),則(ze)(ze)淮陰登(deng)壇之對(dui)也(ye);弇到上谷收斬韋(wei)順、蔡(cai)充(chong),則(ze)(ze)淮陰鹵豹之謀(mou)也(ye);弇進討張步,以(yi)次削平齊地(di),則(ze)(ze)淮陰破趙服燕,終于(yu)定齊之功也(ye)。
蔡東藩:耿弇諸將,能(neng)諫阻光(guang)武(wu)之赦奉,不(bu)知諫阻光(guang)武(wu)之封吾,其亦一得(de)一失也歟!