后趙(zhao)建武四年(338年)五月(yue),后趙(zhao)皇帝(di)石虎以(yi)燕軍(jun)違約獨攻段部鮮卑,得勝。又以(yi)劫掠(lve)而歸(gui)為(wei)由,發(fa)兵數十萬(wan)北伐,圍困大棘(ji)城(今遼寧義(yi)縣)。燕趙(zhao)兩(liang)軍(jun)相持(chi)十余(yu)日(ri),趙(zhao)軍(jun)不能克,遂(sui)后退。慕(mu)容皝(huang)派慕(mu)容恪(ke)率2000騎兵于清晨出(chu)城追(zhui)殺。石虎見(jian)城內師出(chu),大驚,棄甲潰(kui)逃。慕(mu)容恪(ke)乘(cheng)勝追(zhui)擊,大敗后趙(zhao)軍(jun),斬(zhan)獲三萬(wan)余(yu)級。
后(hou)趙建武四年(338年)十(shi)二月,段部鮮卑首領段遼(liao)遣使向后(hou)趙請降,中途反(fan)悔,又遣使請降于(yu)前燕,并與前燕合謀設(she)伏,欲消滅(mie)趙軍(jun)。時后(hou)趙皇帝(di)石虎已派(pai)征東將軍(jun)麻秋(qiu)、司(si)馬陽(yang)裕等(deng)率兵3萬前去受降。前燕王慕容皝自統大(da)(da)軍(jun)前往迎段遼(liao),派(pai)慕容恪帶精騎7000埋伏于(yu)密云山。慕容恪大(da)(da)敗(bai)麻秋(qiu)于(yu)三藏口(kou)(今河北(bei)承(cheng)德),趙軍(jun)死亡大(da)(da)半,麻秋(qiu)步行逃脫,司(si)馬陽(yang)裕被俘。
咸康七年(341)年十月,燕(yan)(yan)王慕容(rong)皝以(yi)慕容(rong)恪(ke)為渡遼(liao)將軍(jun),鎮守平郭(guo)(guo)。前燕(yan)(yan)自(zi)從(cong)慕容(rong)翰逃亡,慕容(rong)仁被殺后(hou),無人(ren)能鎮守遼(liao)東。慕容(rong)恪(ke)行至平郭(guo)(guo),撫舊懷新(xin),屢破高句(ju)麗兵(bing),高句(ju)麗畏之,不(bu)敢再(zai)入燕(yan)(yan)境。
建(jian)元二年(344年)二月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)皝親自帶兵(bing)攻宇(yu)文逸豆(dou)歸,以建(jian)威將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)慕(mu)容(rong)翰(于咸(xian)康六(liu)年回到燕國)為前鋒將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun),劉佩為副將(jiang)(jiang);命(ming)慕(mu)容(rong)恪與慕(mu)容(rong)軍(jun)、慕(mu)容(rong)霸及折沖將(jiang)(jiang)軍(jun)慕(mu)輿根等率(lv)兵(bing)分三路并進。最終大破(po)宇(yu)文軍(jun),燕軍(jun)乘勝追擊,攻克宇(yu)文氏都城紫蒙川(今遼(liao)寧(ning)朝陽西(xi)北)。宇(yu)文逸豆(dou)歸敗逃(tao),死于漠北,宇(yu)文氏從此散亡。
永和(he)元年(nian)(345年(nian))十月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝(huang)令(ling)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)攻(gong)打高(gao)句麗(li)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)攻(gong)拔(ba)南蘇(今遼寧撫順市東蘇子(zi)(zi)河(he)與(yu)渾河(he)合流處),派(pai)兵留守。永和(he)二年(nian)(346年(nian))正月,慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝(huang)派(pai)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)與(yu)世(shi)子(zi)(zi)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁、慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)軍(jun)(jun)、慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿根及1.7萬(wan)騎(qi)兵襲擊扶(fu)余(yu)國。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁坐(zuo)鎮(zhen)中軍(jun)(jun)指揮(hui),而慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)則統帥諸(zhu)軍(jun)(jun)冒矢石進擊,攻(gong)克扶(fu)余(yu),俘(fu)扶(fu)余(yu)國王玄及部落(luo)5萬(wan)余(yu)口而還(huan)。
永(yong)和六年(nian)(350年(nian)),后趙大將軍冉閔占(zhan)據(ju)鄴城(cheng),滅亡后趙。自(zi)立為帝(di),國號大魏,史稱冉魏。
永和七年(351年)八月,慕(mu)(mu)容儁遣慕(mu)(mu)容恪攻破中山(shan)(今河(he)北定州(zhou)(zhou))。隨著慕(mu)(mu)容恪攻占(zhan)(zhan)中山(shan)后,冉閔(min)攻取了襄國(今河(he)北邢臺),欲圖幽(you)州(zhou)(zhou)。前燕占(zhan)(zhan)領幽(you)州(zhou)(zhou)后,也想(xiang)繼續南進(jin),圖據中原,一場大戰不可避免。
永和八年(352年)四月,冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)將與前燕(yan)(yan)(yan)開戰(zhan)。大將軍(jun)(jun)(jun)董閏、車騎將軍(jun)(jun)(jun)張溫苦諫冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min),不(bu)可(ke)(ke)同前燕(yan)(yan)(yan)開戰(zhan)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)不(bu)納,移軍(jun)(jun)(jun)于(yu)安(an)喜(今河北定(ding)州)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪隨即引兵而至。魏燕(yan)(yan)(yan)兩軍(jun)(jun)(jun)交戰(zhan)十次,燕(yan)(yan)(yan)兵皆敗(bai)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)素有(you)勇(yong)名(ming),所(suo)部(bu)將士精銳(rui),燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)畏(wei)懼。慕(mu)容(rong)恪陣(zhen)前激勵將士,指出冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)有(you)勇(yong)無謀,其軍(jun)(jun)(jun)饑疲難用(yong),定(ding)可(ke)(ke)擊(ji)破。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)所(suo)部(bu)多步卒(zu),欲(yu)引燕(yan)(yan)(yan)騎兵至叢林作戰(zhan)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪采納參軍(jun)(jun)(jun)高開之策,急派(pai)輕騎截擊(ji)之,然后佯敗(bai)誘敵(di)至平地,并將燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)切分為三部(bu)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪自率中(zhong)軍(jun)(jun)(jun),選善射(she)者五(wu)千人,以(yi)鐵(tie)鎖連戰(zhan)馬結方陣(zhen)而前,另兩部(bu)各置一側配合主力進擊(ji)。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)恃(shi)勇(yong)輕敵(di),果(guo)然中(zhong)計,直突燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)中(zhong)部(bu)鐵(tie)馬方陣(zhen)。燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)側翼部(bu)隊即從(cong)兩面(mian)夾擊(ji),大敗(bai)冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)隊,斬七(qi)千余人。冉(ran)閔(min)(min)(min)突圍(wei)東走二(er)十余里(li),坐騎忽死,被燕(yan)(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)所(suo)俘,冉(ran)魏滅亡。
元璽元年(352年),冉(ran)閔被慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪軍俘虜(lu)后,其子(zi)冉(ran)操投奔鎮守魯口(今河(he)北饒陽)的(de)大將王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)。七月(yue),王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)自稱安國(guo)王(wang)(wang)(wang),對抗前燕。八月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容儁遣慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪、太尉封奕、尚(shang)書令陽騖攻打魯口。王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)憑借城池之險進行抵抗,并把(ba)冉(ran)操送于燕軍。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪料魯口城池堅固,暫難(nan)攻克,遂將城外的(de)莊稼(jia)盡數收割,撤回中(zhong)山(今河(he)北定州市)。十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪屯安平,積糧,修筑攻城器具,準(zhun)備攻討王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)。時(shi)中(zhong)山蘇(su)(su)林(lin)起兵于無極,自稱天子(zi),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪率軍先攻討蘇(su)(su)林(lin)。十月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容儁派(pai)廣威將軍慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿根幫助(zhu)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容恪,斬(zhan)蘇(su)(su)林(lin)。不久,王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)為(wei)其將秦興殺死,呂護又(you)殺秦興,繼承安國(guo)王(wang)(wang)(wang)。
元璽三(san)年(354年)二(er)月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)恪再次發兵(bing)圍魯口,次月(yue)克之。呂護逃往野王(今河南沁陽)。四月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)以慕(mu)容(rong)恪為大司馬、侍中、大都督、錄尚(shang)書事,封太(tai)原王。
建(jian)熙二(er)年(nian)(361年(nian))二(er)月,寧南將軍(jun)(jun)呂(lv)護(hu)(hu),鎮守野王(今(jin)(jin)河南沁陽),暗中投靠(kao)東晉,東晉以呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)為前將軍(jun)(jun)、冀州刺史。呂(lv)護(hu)(hu)欲引東晉軍(jun)(jun)偷襲(xi)燕(yan)都鄴城(今(jin)(jin)河北臨漳(zhang)),未(wei)及行動,事情敗露(lu)。
三月(yue),燕(yan)王遣慕容(rong)恪(ke)統軍前往野(ye)王平叛(pan)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)率軍5萬(wan),冠(guan)軍將軍皇甫真領兵(bing)1萬(wan),進至野(ye)王城外,呂護(hu)閉城固守(shou)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)遂于野(ye)王城外修筑深溝(gou)高壘,切斷守(shou)軍外援,以待機擊之。
七月,呂護軍被圍數月,外無救兵,內無糧草。呂護被迫令部(bu)將張興(xing)率領(ling)7000人(ren)馬(ma)出城(cheng)迎戰(zhan),張興(xing)被傅顏斬(zhan)殺。當夜,呂護以黃甫真營陣為(wei)突圍口,率城(cheng)中銳卒(zu)試圖突圍。皇甫真事先已做好防備,慕容恪領(ling)兵從側翼出擊,呂護所部(bu)死(si)傷(shang)慘重,呂護單騎逃往滎陽(yang)(今河南滎陽(yang)),燕軍攻克野王,結束(shu)野王之戰(zhan)。
永和六年(350年)前后,原段(duan)氏鮮卑首領段(duan)蘭之子段(duan)龕乘著后趙內亂、冉(ran)魏新(xin)立之機,統(tong)帥部眾南遷(qian)陳留(今河南開封(feng))。七(qi)月,東遷(qian)廣固(今山東青州(zhou)),自稱齊王(wang),向東晉稱臣(chen),受封(feng)為鎮北將軍(jun)。
元璽四(si)年(355年),前燕攻(gong)滅石(shi)氏(shi)、冉魏(wei)的(de)勢(shi)力,開拓疆(jiang)域,成為(wei)(wei)地(di)跨(kua)幽、冀、并、平四(si)州(zhou)的(de)政權,掙脫東晉(jin),慕容儁自稱(cheng)為(wei)(wei)帝。段(duan)龕以(yi)為(wei)(wei)與(yu)慕容儁同(tong)出鮮卑(bei),致書(shu)慕容儁稱(cheng)帝之(zhi)非;加之(zhi)段(duan)部所據廣固(gu)(gu),勢(shi)力漸(jian)強,已威(wei)脅前燕的(de)統治,慕容儁遂決意發兵攻(gong)廣固(gu)(gu)。十一月,慕容儁以(yi)慕容恪(ke)為(wei)(wei)大都督、撫軍(jun)(jun)將軍(jun)(jun),尚書(shu)令陽騖為(wei)(wei)副將,率軍(jun)(jun)進攻(gong)廣固(gu)(gu)。十二月,燕軍(jun)(jun)至黃河北岸,慕容恪(ke)先以(yi)輕舟渡河,試探虛實。
元璽(xi)五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(356年(nian)(nian))正月,慕容(rong)恪(ke)率軍(jun)渡過黃(huang)河,距廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)百余里。段龕(kan)率軍(jun)3萬人迎戰(zhan),慕容(rong)恪(ke)于(yu)淄水戰(zhan)敗(bai)段龕(kan),數千名士卒(zu)投降(jiang)燕軍(jun)。段龕(kan)逃回(hui)廣(guang)(guang)固(gu),閉城(cheng)固(gu)守。慕容(rong)恪(ke)率燕軍(jun)在廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)城(cheng)外修高墻挖深塹圍困之。并招撫廣(guang)(guang)固(gu)四周諸城(cheng),段龕(kan)所署徐州(zhou)刺(ci)史(shi)王騰等于(yu)二月投降(jiang)慕容(rong)恪(ke)。
慕容恪圍(wei)廣固七個月后,段(duan)龕(kan)難(nan)以(yi)支撐,遂派(pai)人(ren)向東晉(jin)(jin)求(qiu)援。八月,東晉(jin)(jin)派(pai)徐(xu)州刺史荀羨前往(wang)解圍(wei)。荀羨行至瑯琊,畏懼燕軍不進。恰(qia)逢王(wang)騰(teng)帶軍攻打鄄(juan)城(今(jin)山東鄄(juan)城),荀羨遂進攻陽都(今(jin)山東沂南),斬王(wang)騰(teng)。不久,廣固城內路人(ren)相(xiang)食,無以(yi)為(wei)守。段(duan)龕(kan)悉眾出(chu)戰,被慕容恪在(zai)圍(wei)里擊敗,單騎逃回城中。十一月,段(duan)龕(kan)計窮,只(zhi)得出(chu)降。慕容恪安撫百姓,平(ping)定齊(qi)地(di),遷鮮(xian)卑、胡(hu)、羯三千余戶至薊。留慕容塵(chen)鎮廣固,以(yi)尚書(shu)左丞鞠殷為(wei)東萊(lai)太守,章武太守鮮(xian)于亮為(wei)齊(qi)郡太守,率軍而還。
廣(guang)固城之戰后(hou),東(dong)晉泰山太守諸葛(ge)攸(you)進(jin)攻東(dong)郡(今河南濮陽)。慕(mu)(mu)容恪領(ling)統陽騖、慕(mu)(mu)容臧率兵進(jin)擊,大敗晉軍,諸葛(ge)攸(you)退回太山(今山東(dong)泰安)。慕(mu)(mu)容恪乘勝渡過(guo)黃河,占(zhan)領(ling)河南部分土地,并設守宰。此后(hou),前燕轄境(jing)迅速延至黃河以南,對東(dong)晉構(gou)成了威脅。
光壽(shou)三年(nian)(nian)(359年(nian)(nian)),慕容(rong)儁患病(bing),對慕容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)說:朕(zhen)(zhen)病(bing)得這么虛弱,恐怕(pa)是(shi)好不了。壽(shou)命長短(duan),都(dou)沒有什么可怨恨的了!不過(guo),現在東晉和前秦未(wei)除,太子慕容(rong)暐年(nian)(nian)幼。朕(zhen)(zhen)擔心他應付不來,想效法宋宣公,將(jiang)皇(huang)位交給你(ni)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)堅決拒絕,更說:“陛下(xia)若果認(ren)為臣能夠承(cheng)擔安定(ding)天下(xia)的重責(ze),難(nan)道就沒能好好輔(fu)助少主(zhu)!”慕容(rong)儁聽后十分高興。
光壽四(si)年(nian)(360年(nian))正月,慕(mu)容(rong)儁在(zai)鄴城大(da)(da)閱郡國(guo)之兵,欲派大(da)(da)軍進攻秦、晉,但病情轉(zhuan)危,遂召(zhao)慕(mu)容(rong)恪、慕(mu)容(rong)鶩、慕(mu)容(rong)評及慕(mu)輿根等受(shou)遺詔(zhao)輔政,旋即病卒,時年(nian)四(si)十(shi)二歲,葬于龍陵,謚號景(jing)昭皇帝(di),廟號烈祖。皇太(tai)子慕(mu)容(rong)暐即位,年(nian)僅十(shi)一歲。二月,尊皇后(hou)可足(zu)渾氏(shi)為(wei)皇太(tai)后(hou),以慕(mu)容(rong)恪太(tai)宰、錄尚書事,行周公事,總攝(she)朝政。
不(bu)過(guo),當時作(zuo)為太(tai)師輔(fu)政的慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根自恃戰功顯赫,高傲自大,看不(bu)起(qi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)。慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根為挑起(qi)事端以(yi)作(zuo)亂(luan),先以(yi)可足渾太(tai)后(hou)(hou)干(gan)政來挑撥慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke),謊稱支(zhi)(zhi)持慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)奪位。但慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)不(bu)受。吳王慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)垂以(yi)及皇甫真及后(hou)(hou)都勸他誅(zhu)殺(sha)慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根,但慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)以(yi)皇帝(di)(di)新死,國家安穩為首要(yao),決定(ding)忍耐。慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根挑撥慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)不(bu)成(cheng),于(yu)是試圖離(li)間慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐母(mu)子,想要(yao)太(tai)后(hou)(hou)誅(zhu)殺(sha)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)等。新帝(di)(di)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐支(zhi)(zhi)持慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke),勸止了母(mu)親。與此同時,前燕已經(jing)在滅(mie)冉(ran)魏后(hou)(hou)遷都鄴(ye)城,以(yi)舊都龍城(今遼(liao)寧朝陽市)為留(liu)京。慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根思戀遼(liao)東祖(zu)地,力(li)勸太(tai)后(hou)(hou)和慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)暐建(jian)議(yi)還(huan)都龍城,變相放(fang)棄中原地區。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)知道后(hou)(hou),聯合慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)評密(mi)奏慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根罪狀(zhuang),派衛將軍傅顏誅(zhu)殺(sha)了慕(mu)(mu)輿(yu)(yu)根及其(qi)黨羽。
面對皇帝(di)新死,就發生(sheng)誅(zhu)殺輔政重(zhong)臣的事件,國內(nei)憂慮情緒很高。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪舉止(zhi)如常(chang),出入(ru)都只有一人(ren)跟從,不肯加添守衛。然后大赦天下,并停發慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁生(sheng)前所集各(ge)路(lu)兵員(yuan),受(shou)任(ren)理政,兢兢嚴謹,與司徒慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)評(ping)共同(tong)協作,虛心(xin)待士,諮諏善道,量才授任(ren),燕政為(wei)之一新。于是,境內(nei)局勢漸穩(wen),人(ren)心(xin)稍為(wei)安定。同(tong)時,原先(xian)征集在(zai)鄴城(cheng)的各(ge)郡(jun)軍(jun)人(ren)都因為(wei)國家內(nei)部(bu)紛亂而(er)經常(chang)逃(tao)跑,而(er)鄴城(cheng)向南方領(ling)地的道路(lu)通(tong)訊不暢(chang)通(tong)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪命令慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂南鎮蠡臺(今河(he)南商丘(qiu)),傅顏率軍(jun)南巡淮(huai)河(he),終令國家安穩(wen)下來。
建熙(xi)六年(365年)二月,慕(mu)容(rong)恪與吳王慕(mu)容(rong)垂共攻洛陽。三月,克之,俘虜揚武將軍(jun)沈(shen)(shen)勁(jing)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪惜(xi)之為(wei)(wei)奇士欲(yu)赦免,慕(mu)容(rong)虔上書(shu)說:沈(shen)(shen)勁(jing)雖為(wei)(wei)奇士,卻終不可為(wei)(wei)己所(suo)用,留之必(bi)患(huan)。遂(sui)斬殺(sha)沈(shen)(shen)勁(jing)。
慕容(rong)恪(ke)奪取洛陽后,隨(sui)即略地至(zhi)崤(yao)山、澠池,關中大(da)震,前秦天王苻堅親自到陜城進行防備。不久(jiu),慕容(rong)恪(ke)率軍撤回鄴城。
當時吳王慕容垂才能(neng)出(chu)眾,慕容恪對其非(fei)常(chang)倚重,曾多次向燕主(zhu)進行(xing)推薦。
建熙七年(366年),慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪病重(zhong),深慮慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐手(shou)中(zhong)無實權,而慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)評又多(duo)猜忌,便(bian)對慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)暐之兄、樂安(an)王慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)臧舉薦吳王慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)垂,但是慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)臧沒有聽從慕容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪的話。
慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐親臨慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪府(fu)向他(ta)詢問后事,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪再次(ci)(ci)向慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐推薦慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)垂,說:“我聽聞,傅說舉薦士人。板筑之人都可以,更何況是國家的懿籓!吳王兼具文武之才(cai),才(cai)能(neng)僅(jin)次(ci)(ci)于(yu)管仲、蕭何。陛(bi)下如果把政務交(jiao)給他(ta),國家就(jiu)能(neng)獲得(de)安定。不然,我怕(pa)二寇肯定會有窺窬之計。”慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪言終而卒。死后,贈本官,謚號為桓。
慕(mu)容(rong)恪一(yi)生,戰(zhan)昌黎、密云,破(po)高句麗、宇文部,攻石趙殘余,滅冉魏(wei)、段齊,討呂護平野王,擊東(dong)晉下洛陽,戰(zhan)功赫赫,構筑了前燕的(de)最(zui)大版圖。同時,慕(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)死后(hou),官拜太宰,輔佐幼主慕(mu)容(rong)暐,以謙(qian)恭寬(kuan)和(he)的(de)姿態穩定(ding)國政,使得國內相對穩定(ding)。
慕容皝:“恪智勇(yong)俱濟,汝其委之。”
王猛:“慕(mu)容玄(xuan)恭(gong),信奇(qi)士也,可謂古之遺愛矣!”
崔浩:“王猛之(zhi)經國,苻堅之(zhi)管仲也;慕容恪之(zhi)輔少主(zhu),慕容暐之(zhi)霍光也。”
張預(yu):“沉深有(you)大(da)度。......容貌魁杰,雄(xiong)毅嚴(yan)重,每所言及,輒經綸世(shi)務,.......數從皝征(zheng)伐,臨(lin)機多奇策。......雖執權政事,必諮之于評。罷朝(chao)歸(gui)第,則盡心(xin)色養(yang),手(shou)不(bu)(bu)(bu)釋(shi)卷(juan)。.......恪為將(jiang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)尚威嚴(yan),專以恩(en)(en)信御物,務于大(da)略,不(bu)(bu)(bu)以小令勞眾。軍士有(you)犯(fan)法(fa),密(mi)縱舍之,捕(bu)斬(zhan)賊(zei)首以令軍。營(ying)內不(bu)(bu)(bu)整似(si)可犯(fan),而防御甚嚴(yan),終無(wu)喪敗。........恪之為將(jiang),專以恩(en)(en)信而不(bu)(bu)(bu)尚威嚴(yan)是也。”
張預(yu): “孫子曰:‘輔周則國必強。’恪(ke)在中原(yuan),桓溫(wen)以(yi)謂所憂方大。又曰:‘卒未親附而(er)(er)罰之,則不服。’恪(ke)之為將,專以(yi)恩信而(er)(er)不尚威嚴是也。”
陳(chen)普(pu):“霜雹(bao)風沙雜亂飛(fei),段龕地(di)下見春(chun)歸(gui)。時(shi)來但處周公位,歷(li)舉華人百世(shi)希。”“當(dang)時(shi)人才南(nan)有謝安,北有慕容(rong)恪,西有王猛。較其(qi)分(fen)數,玄恭其(qi)賢矣(yi),安石(shi)善處轇(jiu)轕之(zhi)際(ji),富貴之(zhi)心(xin)薄(bo)而(er)(er)家世(shi)清虛,無(wu)能(neng)遠猷。王景略干將吳(wu)鉤(gou)薄(bo)于德(de)矣(yi)。玄恭才優而(er)(er)心(xin)正,獨(du)不(bu)能(neng)力主。李績終殺,沈勁為可恨(hen)。而(er)(er)其(qi)討段龕,城下數語,天(tian)地(di)鬼神(shen)實聞(wen)之(zhi)事。”
張大齡:“慕容氏自(zi)龍(long)驤以(yi)(yi)來,世豪東夏(xia),其(qi)(qi)子孫俱英朗(lang)雄杰(jie),發在童(tong)孺(ru),天(tian)之(zhi)(zhi)所(suo)(suo)興,其(qi)(qi)誰(shui)廢之(zhi)(zhi)!太原德(de)業邁於(wu)狐趙,吳王才(cai)器不(bu)下(xia)管(guan)蕭(xiao)。昔(xi)舜生(sheng)諸(zhu)馮(feng),東夷之(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)(ren)可以(yi)(yi)其(qi)(qi)鮮卑(bei)而(er)(er)(er)(er)少之(zhi)(zhi)?償恪而(er)(er)(er)(er)不(bu)死,更得明主事之(zhi)(zhi),與吳王垂(chui)左提右挈,驅駕才(cai)俊,混一(yi)之(zhi)(zhi)業,指顧(gu)而(er)(er)(er)(er)定矣!乃吳王力(li)足以(yi)(yi)討評,而(er)(er)(er)(er)不(bu)為(wei)首亂;時(shi)足以(yi)(yi)取堅,而(er)(er)(er)(er)還其(qi)(qi)舊兵;威足以(yi)(yi)困丕(pi),而(er)(er)(er)(er)開以(yi)(yi)生(sheng)路,尤人(ren)(ren)所(suo)(suo)難(nan)者。至於(wu)八十之(zhi)(zhi)齡,取西燕(yan)(yan)如拾芥(jie),挫(cuo)魏(wei)兵如發蒙(meng),真太原所(suo)(suo)謂命世之(zhi)(zhi)才(cai)也(ye)。后(hou)來亡(wang)國之(zhi)(zhi)主,猶自(zi)翹然,身在鼎俎,神色不(bu)變(bian)。蓋(gai)先世大有功(gong)德(de),故子孫蹶而(er)(er)(er)(er)復奮,不(bu)若諸(zhu)胡之(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)敗涂地。予(yu)於(wu)和龍(long)之(zhi)(zhi)君(jun),獨(du)有取爾者以(yi)(yi)此(ci)。太尉(wei)裕平燕(yan)(yan)之(zhi)(zhi)日,欲坑(keng)廣固,得韓范諫而(er)(er)(er)(er)止。嗚呼!燕(yan)(yan)何(he)罪(zui)哉!前燕(yan)(yan)開基,取之(zhi)(zhi)劉石。后(hou)燕(yan)(yan)恢復,奪之(zhi)(zhi)苻秦。燕(yan)(yan)何(he)罪(zui)哉!而(er)(er)(er)(er)戮之(zhi)(zhi)若斯之(zhi)(zhi)慘也(ye)。太尉(wei)此(ci)舉(ju),不(bu)惟遠愧三代吊伐之(zhi)(zhi)師,且近(jin)有怍於(wu)玄恭景略矣。惜哉!”
《廣名(ming)將(jiang)傳(chuan)》:“前燕慕(mu)容恪,深沉有略(lve)。皝(huang)授(shou)以(yi)兵,從征參酌。使鎮遼東,寇不(bu)敢作。嗣雋親之(zhi),立(li)功不(bu)薄。俊死(si)暐孤,復以(yi)后托。有謀中原,桓曰大錯(cuo)。慕(mu)容恪存,憂方如(ru)昨。慕(mu)輿根誅(zhu),內外錯(cuo)愕。恪獨安之(zhi),使人(ren)把捉。罷朝而歸,養親為(wei)樂。臨死(si)薦賢,報恩急著。忠(zhong)孝若斯(si),才應兼學(xue)。”
王夫(fu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi):“五胡旋(xuan)(xuan)起(qi)旋(xuan)(xuan)滅,而(er)(er)(er)中(zhong)(zhong)原之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)死(si)于兵刃者(zhe)(zhe)不(bu)(bu)可殫計。殫中(zhong)(zhong)原之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)民(min)于兵刃,而(er)(er)(er)其旋(xuan)(xuan)起(qi)者(zhe)(zhe)亦必(bi)旋(xuan)(xuan)滅。其能有人之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)心(xin)(xin)而(er)(er)(er)因以自全者(zhe)(zhe),唯(wei)慕容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)乎(hu)!故中(zhong)(zhong)國之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,一姓不(bu)(bu)再興,而(er)(er)(er)慕容(rong)氏(shi)既滅而(er)(er)(er)復起(qi)。恪(ke)(ke)圍段龕(kan)于廣固(gu),諸將請(qing)亟(ji)攻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),恪(ke)(ke)曰:“龕(kan)兵尚眾,未有離(li)心(xin)(xin),盡(jin)銳攻之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),殺吾士(shi)卒必(bi)多矣,自有事中(zhong)(zhong)原,兵不(bu)(bu)暫(zan)息,吾每念之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),夜而(er)(er)(er)忘寐,要在取之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),不(bu)(bu)必(bi)求功之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)速。”嗚呼!惻悱之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)言,自其中(zhong)(zhong)發,功成而(er)(er)(er)人免于死(si),恪(ke)(ke)可不(bu)(bu)謂夷中(zhong)(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)錚(zheng)錚(zheng)者(zhe)(zhe)乎(hu)!”
李鴻章(zhang):“為(wei)國者(zhe),但(dan)問自(zi)治,而(er)不依他人之(zhi)禍福(fu)。晉人喜慕(mu)容儁之(zhi)沒,豈知慕(mu)容恪之(zhi)更勝(sheng)。今日急務(wu),莫先(xian)儲才。培植(zhi)人才必以(yi)學堂(tang)為(wei)根(gen)本。”
宋(song)丹凝:“雖然慕(mu)容恪為一代(dai)名將,但其政治功績也非常大。在慕(mu)容儁(jun)死后,慕(mu)容恪甘為周(zhou)公(gong),輔佐幼主慕(mu)容暐;官至太(tai)宰,虛懷待物,知人善任;整頓吏治,嚴明賞罰,謙虛謹慎(shen),從不(bu)專斷;誅殺叛臣慕(mu)輿根,穩定(ding)朝政。前燕政局的(de)穩定(ding),多半是慕(mu)容恪的(de)功勞。”
梁軍:“慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)的(de)一(yi)生,也(ye)是前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)燕(yan)(yan)由弱變強的(de)一(yi)段時(shi)間。他歷(li)事三主,在(zai)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)皝與(yu)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁在(zai)位(wei)時(shi),率(lv)軍南征北戰,開疆拓土,輔佐幼主慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐七年間,前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)燕(yan)(yan)政治空(kong)前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)穩定,所(suo)(suo)以(yi)他在(zai)燕(yan)(yan)國所(suo)(suo)占(zhan)的(de)重要(yao)地位(wei)是不(bu)言而喻(yu)的(de)。慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁死后(hou)(hou),東(dong)晉認為有(you)機(ji)可乘,桓溫則說:‘慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)尚(shang)存(cun),所(suo)(suo)憂方為大耳。’在(zai)其死后(hou)(hou),前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)秦、東(dong)晉先后(hou)(hou)攻打前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)燕(yan)(yan),前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)燕(yan)(yan)也(ye)迅速滅(mie)亡,這(zhe)從另一(yi)方面也(ye)反映出(chu)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)對于前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)燕(yan)(yan)的(de)重要(yao)性。”
萬繩(sheng)楠:“慕容恪以其(qi)驚人(ren)的(de)戰績(ji),被后(hou)世譽為‘十六國第一名將(jiang)’。”