后(hou)趙(zhao)建武四年(nian)(338年(nian))五月,后(hou)趙(zhao)皇(huang)帝石虎以燕軍違約獨攻(gong)段部鮮卑(bei),得勝。又以劫掠(lve)而歸(gui)為由,發(fa)兵數十萬北伐,圍困(kun)大(da)棘城(cheng)(今遼寧(ning)義縣)。燕趙(zhao)兩軍相持(chi)十余(yu)日,趙(zhao)軍不(bu)能(neng)克,遂后(hou)退。慕(mu)(mu)容皝派慕(mu)(mu)容恪率2000騎兵于清晨出城(cheng)追殺。石虎見城(cheng)內師出,大(da)驚,棄甲潰(kui)逃。慕(mu)(mu)容恪乘勝追擊,大(da)敗后(hou)趙(zhao)軍,斬(zhan)獲三萬余(yu)級(ji)。
后(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)建武四(si)年(338年)十(shi)二(er)月,段部鮮(xian)卑首領段遼(liao)遣使向后(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)請(qing)(qing)降,中(zhong)途(tu)反悔,又遣使請(qing)(qing)降于前(qian)(qian)(qian)燕(yan),并與前(qian)(qian)(qian)燕(yan)合謀設伏,欲消滅趙(zhao)(zhao)軍(jun)。時后(hou)趙(zhao)(zhao)皇帝石虎已派(pai)征東將軍(jun)麻(ma)秋(qiu)、司馬陽(yang)裕(yu)等率兵3萬(wan)前(qian)(qian)(qian)去受降。前(qian)(qian)(qian)燕(yan)王(wang)慕容(rong)皝自(zi)統大(da)軍(jun)前(qian)(qian)(qian)往迎段遼(liao),派(pai)慕容(rong)恪帶精騎(qi)7000埋伏于密(mi)云山。慕容(rong)恪大(da)敗麻(ma)秋(qiu)于三(san)藏口(今河北承德),趙(zhao)(zhao)軍(jun)死亡(wang)大(da)半,麻(ma)秋(qiu)步(bu)行(xing)逃(tao)脫,司馬陽(yang)裕(yu)被俘。
咸康(kang)七年(341)年十月,燕王(wang)慕(mu)容(rong)皝(huang)以(yi)慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)為渡遼(liao)將軍(jun),鎮守平郭。前燕自從慕(mu)容(rong)翰逃亡,慕(mu)容(rong)仁(ren)被殺后,無人能鎮守遼(liao)東(dong)。慕(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)行至平郭,撫舊懷(huai)新,屢破高句麗(li)兵,高句麗(li)畏之,不敢(gan)再入燕境。
建元二年(344年)二月,慕容(rong)(rong)皝親自(zi)帶兵攻宇(yu)(yu)文逸(yi)豆(dou)歸,以建威將軍(jun)(jun)慕容(rong)(rong)翰(于咸康六年回到燕(yan)國)為(wei)前鋒將軍(jun)(jun),劉佩為(wei)副將;命慕容(rong)(rong)恪與慕容(rong)(rong)軍(jun)(jun)、慕容(rong)(rong)霸及折沖將軍(jun)(jun)慕輿根(gen)等率(lv)兵分三路并進。最(zui)終大破宇(yu)(yu)文軍(jun)(jun),燕(yan)軍(jun)(jun)乘勝追擊,攻克宇(yu)(yu)文氏(shi)(shi)都城紫蒙川(今(jin)遼寧朝陽西北)。宇(yu)(yu)文逸(yi)豆(dou)歸敗逃,死于漠北,宇(yu)(yu)文氏(shi)(shi)從此散(san)亡。
永和元年(nian)(nian)(345年(nian)(nian))十月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)皝令慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)攻(gong)打高句麗。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)攻(gong)拔南蘇(今遼寧撫順市東蘇子(zi)河與渾河合流處),派(pai)兵(bing)留(liu)守。永和二年(nian)(nian)(346年(nian)(nian))正月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)皝派(pai)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)與世子(zi)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)儁、慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)軍(jun)(jun)、慕(mu)輿根及1.7萬騎兵(bing)襲擊(ji)扶余國(guo)。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)儁坐(zuo)鎮中軍(jun)(jun)指揮,而慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)則統帥諸軍(jun)(jun)冒矢石(shi)進擊(ji),攻(gong)克扶余,俘扶余國(guo)王(wang)玄及部(bu)落(luo)5萬余口而還。
永和(he)六(liu)年(nian)(350年(nian)),后趙大將軍(jun)冉閔占據鄴城(cheng),滅亡后趙。自立為帝,國(guo)號(hao)大魏,史稱冉魏。
永和七年(351年)八(ba)月,慕容(rong)儁(jun)遣慕容(rong)恪攻破中(zhong)山(今(jin)河北定州(zhou))。隨著慕容(rong)恪攻占中(zhong)山后(hou),冉閔攻取(qu)了襄(xiang)國(guo)(今(jin)河北邢臺),欲圖幽州(zhou)。前燕(yan)占領幽州(zhou)后(hou),也(ye)想繼續南進,圖據(ju)中(zhong)原,一場(chang)大戰不可避免。
永和八年(352年)四(si)月,冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)將與前燕(yan)(yan)開戰(zhan)。大將軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)董閏、車騎將軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)張溫苦(ku)諫冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min),不(bu)可同前燕(yan)(yan)開戰(zhan)。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)不(bu)納(na),移(yi)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)于安喜(今(jin)河北定州)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)隨即引兵(bing)而(er)至。魏(wei)燕(yan)(yan)兩(liang)(liang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)交戰(zhan)十次,燕(yan)(yan)兵(bing)皆敗(bai)(bai)。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)素有勇(yong)名,所(suo)部(bu)將士(shi)精銳(rui),燕(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)畏懼。慕容(rong)恪(ke)陣(zhen)前激勵將士(shi),指出(chu)冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)有勇(yong)無謀,其軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)饑疲難(nan)用,定可擊(ji)破。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)所(suo)部(bu)多步卒(zu),欲引燕(yan)(yan)騎兵(bing)至叢(cong)林作戰(zhan)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)采納(na)參軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)高開之(zhi)策,急派輕騎截擊(ji)之(zhi),然(ran)后佯(yang)敗(bai)(bai)誘敵至平地(di),并(bing)將燕(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)切分為(wei)三部(bu)。慕容(rong)恪(ke)自率中(zhong)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun),選善射者五(wu)千(qian)人,以鐵鎖連戰(zhan)馬結方(fang)陣(zhen)而(er)前,另兩(liang)(liang)部(bu)各置一側配合主(zhu)力進擊(ji)。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)恃勇(yong)輕敵,果(guo)然(ran)中(zhong)計,直突(tu)燕(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)中(zhong)部(bu)鐵馬方(fang)陣(zhen)。燕(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)側翼部(bu)隊即從(cong)兩(liang)(liang)面夾擊(ji),大敗(bai)(bai)冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊,斬七千(qian)余人。冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)閔(min)突(tu)圍東走(zou)二十余里,坐騎忽死,被燕(yan)(yan)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)所(suo)俘(fu),冉(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)魏(wei)滅亡。
元(yuan)璽元(yuan)年(352年),冉(ran)閔被慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)軍俘虜后(hou),其子(zi)冉(ran)操(cao)(cao)投奔(ben)鎮(zhen)守魯(lu)口(今(jin)河(he)(he)北饒陽(yang))的大將王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)。七月(yue),王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)自(zi)稱安(an)國王(wang)(wang)(wang),對(dui)抗前燕。八月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁遣慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)、太尉封奕、尚(shang)書令陽(yang)騖(wu)攻(gong)打魯(lu)口。王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)憑借城(cheng)(cheng)池之(zhi)險(xian)進(jin)行抵抗,并把冉(ran)操(cao)(cao)送于(yu)燕軍。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)料(liao)魯(lu)口城(cheng)(cheng)池堅(jian)固(gu),暫難攻(gong)克,遂將城(cheng)(cheng)外的莊(zhuang)稼盡數收(shou)割,撤回中山(今(jin)河(he)(he)北定州市)。十(shi)月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)屯安(an)平(ping),積(ji)糧,修筑攻(gong)城(cheng)(cheng)器(qi)具,準(zhun)備攻(gong)討(tao)王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)。時中山蘇(su)(su)林起(qi)兵于(yu)無極,自(zi)稱天子(zi),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)率軍先攻(gong)討(tao)蘇(su)(su)林。十(shi)月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁派(pai)廣威將軍慕(mu)(mu)(mu)輿根幫助慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke),斬蘇(su)(su)林。不(bu)久(jiu),王(wang)(wang)(wang)午(wu)(wu)為其將秦興殺死,呂護(hu)又殺秦興,繼(ji)承安(an)國王(wang)(wang)(wang)。
元璽三(san)年(354年)二月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)恪再次發(fa)兵圍魯口,次月(yue)克之。呂護(hu)逃往野王(今河南沁陽)。四(si)月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)儁以慕(mu)容(rong)恪為(wei)大司馬、侍中、大都督(du)、錄尚書事,封太原王。
建熙二年(361年)二月(yue),寧南將軍(jun)呂護(hu),鎮(zhen)守野王(今河南沁陽(yang)),暗(an)中投靠東晉(jin),東晉(jin)以呂護(hu)為前(qian)將軍(jun)、冀州刺史。呂護(hu)欲引(yin)東晉(jin)軍(jun)偷(tou)襲燕都(dou)鄴(ye)城(cheng)(今河北臨漳),未及行動,事情敗(bai)露(lu)。
三月(yue),燕王(wang)遣慕容(rong)(rong)恪統軍(jun)(jun)前(qian)往野(ye)王(wang)平叛。慕容(rong)(rong)恪率軍(jun)(jun)5萬,冠軍(jun)(jun)將軍(jun)(jun)皇甫真領(ling)兵1萬,進(jin)至野(ye)王(wang)城外(wai),呂護閉(bi)城固守。慕容(rong)(rong)恪遂于野(ye)王(wang)城外(wai)修(xiu)筑深溝(gou)高壘,切斷守軍(jun)(jun)外(wai)援,以待機擊之。
七月,呂護軍被圍數月,外無(wu)救兵(bing),內無(wu)糧草(cao)。呂護被迫(po)令部將張(zhang)興率(lv)領(ling)7000人馬出城迎戰(zhan),張(zhang)興被傅顏斬殺。當夜,呂護以(yi)黃甫真營陣為突圍口,率(lv)城中銳卒(zu)試圖突圍。皇(huang)甫真事先已做(zuo)好防備,慕容恪領(ling)兵(bing)從側(ce)翼出擊,呂護所部死傷慘重,呂護單(dan)騎逃往滎陽(yang)(今河(he)南滎陽(yang)),燕軍攻克野(ye)(ye)王,結束野(ye)(ye)王之戰(zhan)。
永和(he)六年(nian)(350年(nian))前(qian)后,原(yuan)段(duan)(duan)氏鮮卑(bei)首領段(duan)(duan)蘭之子段(duan)(duan)龕乘著后趙內亂、冉魏新立(li)之機,統(tong)帥部眾南遷(qian)陳留(今河南開(kai)封)。七月,東(dong)(dong)遷(qian)廣固(今山東(dong)(dong)青(qing)州(zhou)),自稱齊王,向東(dong)(dong)晉稱臣,受(shou)封為鎮北將(jiang)軍。
元璽(xi)四(si)年(355年),前燕攻滅石氏、冉魏的勢力,開拓疆域,成為(wei)地(di)跨幽(you)、冀、并、平四(si)州的政權(quan),掙脫東晉,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁自稱(cheng)(cheng)為(wei)帝。段龕(kan)以(yi)為(wei)與慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁同出鮮卑,致書慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁稱(cheng)(cheng)帝之(zhi)非;加(jia)之(zhi)段部所(suo)據廣固(gu),勢力漸強,已威脅前燕的統治,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁遂決意發兵攻廣固(gu)。十一(yi)月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁以(yi)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)為(wei)大都督、撫軍(jun)將軍(jun),尚書令陽騖為(wei)副將,率軍(jun)進攻廣固(gu)。十二(er)月(yue),燕軍(jun)至黃(huang)河(he)北(bei)岸,慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)先(xian)以(yi)輕舟渡河(he),試(shi)探(tan)虛實(shi)。
元璽五(wu)年(nian)(356年(nian))正月(yue),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)率軍(jun)渡過黃河,距(ju)廣(guang)固(gu)百余里。段(duan)(duan)龕率軍(jun)3萬人迎戰,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)于(yu)淄水戰敗段(duan)(duan)龕,數(shu)千名士卒投(tou)降燕軍(jun)。段(duan)(duan)龕逃回(hui)廣(guang)固(gu),閉(bi)城固(gu)守。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)率燕軍(jun)在廣(guang)固(gu)城外(wai)修高墻挖深塹圍困之(zhi)。并招撫廣(guang)固(gu)四周諸城,段(duan)(duan)龕所署(shu)徐州刺史王騰(teng)等于(yu)二(er)月(yue)投(tou)降慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)。
慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)圍廣固(gu)七個月后,段龕(kan)難以(yi)支撐,遂(sui)派人(ren)向東(dong)晉求援。八月,東(dong)晉派徐州刺史荀(xun)(xun)羨前往解圍。荀(xun)(xun)羨行至瑯琊(ya),畏懼燕軍(jun)不進。恰逢(feng)王騰帶(dai)軍(jun)攻打鄄城(今(jin)山(shan)東(dong)鄄城),荀(xun)(xun)羨遂(sui)進攻陽都(今(jin)山(shan)東(dong)沂南),斬王騰。不久,廣固(gu)城內路人(ren)相食,無以(yi)為守(shou)。段龕(kan)悉眾(zhong)出戰(zhan),被慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)在圍里(li)擊(ji)敗,單騎逃回城中。十一月,段龕(kan)計窮,只得出降。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)恪(ke)安(an)撫百姓(xing),平定齊地,遷鮮(xian)卑、胡、羯(jie)三千(qian)余戶(hu)至薊。留慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)(rong)塵鎮廣固(gu),以(yi)尚書(shu)左丞鞠殷為東(dong)萊太(tai)守(shou),章武太(tai)守(shou)鮮(xian)于亮為齊郡太(tai)守(shou),率軍(jun)而還。
廣固城之戰后,東(dong)晉泰山太(tai)守諸葛攸進(jin)攻東(dong)郡(今(jin)河(he)(he)南濮陽)。慕(mu)容恪領統(tong)陽騖(wu)、慕(mu)容臧(zang)率兵進(jin)擊,大敗晉軍,諸葛攸退回(hui)太(tai)山(今(jin)山東(dong)泰安)。慕(mu)容恪乘勝渡(du)過黃河(he)(he),占領河(he)(he)南部分土地,并設守宰。此后,前(qian)燕轄(xia)境迅速(su)延至黃河(he)(he)以(yi)南,對東(dong)晉構成了威脅。
光壽三年(359年),慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁患病(bing),對慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪說:朕(zhen)病(bing)得這么(me)虛弱,恐怕是好(hao)不了。壽命長短,都沒有什么(me)可怨恨的(de)了!不過,現在(zai)東(dong)晉(jin)和前秦未除,太(tai)子慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐(wei)年幼(you)。朕(zhen)擔心他應付不來,想效(xiao)法宋宣(xuan)公,將(jiang)皇位交(jiao)給你。慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪堅(jian)決(jue)拒絕,更說:“陛(bi)下(xia)若果認(ren)為臣能(neng)夠承擔安定(ding)天下(xia)的(de)重責,難道就沒能(neng)好(hao)好(hao)輔助少主!”慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁聽(ting)后十分高興(xing)。
光(guang)壽四年(360年)正月(yue),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁在鄴城(cheng)大(da)閱郡國(guo)之兵,欲派大(da)軍進攻秦、晉,但病情轉危,遂(sui)召慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)、慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)鶩、慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)評及慕(mu)(mu)輿根等受遺詔輔(fu)政(zheng),旋即病卒,時(shi)年四十二歲(sui),葬于龍(long)陵(ling),謚號(hao)景昭皇(huang)帝,廟號(hao)烈(lie)祖。皇(huang)太(tai)子慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐即位,年僅十一歲(sui)。二月(yue),尊(zun)皇(huang)后(hou)可足渾(hun)氏(shi)為皇(huang)太(tai)后(hou),以慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪(ke)(ke)太(tai)宰、錄尚書事,行周公事,總(zong)攝朝(chao)政(zheng)。
不過,當時作(zuo)為(wei)太(tai)師輔政的慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)自恃戰功顯赫(he),高傲自大,看不起慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)為(wei)挑起事端以(yi)作(zuo)亂,先以(yi)可足(zu)渾(hun)太(tai)后(hou)(hou)干(gan)政來挑撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke),謊稱支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)奪(duo)位。但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)不受。吳王慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂以(yi)及皇甫(fu)真及后(hou)(hou)都(dou)勸(quan)他誅殺(sha)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen),但慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)以(yi)皇帝新死,國(guo)家安穩為(wei)首要,決定忍耐。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)挑撥慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)不成,于(yu)是(shi)試圖離間慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐母子,想(xiang)要太(tai)后(hou)(hou)誅殺(sha)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)等。新帝慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐支持慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke),勸(quan)止了母親(qin)。與此同時,前燕已(yi)經在(zai)滅冉魏后(hou)(hou)遷都(dou)鄴城,以(yi)舊(jiu)都(dou)龍城(今遼(liao)寧朝陽市)為(wei)留京。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)思(si)戀遼(liao)東祖地,力勸(quan)太(tai)后(hou)(hou)和慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐建(jian)議還都(dou)龍城,變相(xiang)放(fang)棄中原地區。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)知(zhi)道(dao)后(hou)(hou),聯合慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)評密奏慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)罪狀(zhuang),派(pai)衛(wei)將軍傅(fu)顏誅殺(sha)了慕(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)輿(yu)根(gen)及其黨(dang)羽。
面對皇帝新死,就(jiu)發生誅殺輔(fu)政重臣(chen)的(de)事件,國(guo)內憂慮情緒很高。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)舉止(zhi)如常,出(chu)入都只(zhi)有一人跟從(cong),不肯加添守衛。然(ran)后大(da)赦天下,并停發慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁(jun)生前(qian)所集(ji)各路兵員,受任(ren)理政,兢(jing)兢(jing)嚴謹,與司(si)徒慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)評共(gong)同協作,虛心待士,諮諏(zou)善道(dao),量才授任(ren),燕政為(wei)(wei)之一新。于是,境內局勢漸穩,人心稍為(wei)(wei)安定。同時,原先(xian)征(zheng)集(ji)在鄴城(cheng)的(de)各郡軍人都因為(wei)(wei)國(guo)家(jia)內部紛亂而經常逃跑,而鄴城(cheng)向南(nan)方領地的(de)道(dao)路通(tong)訊(xun)不暢(chang)通(tong)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)命令慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)垂南(nan)鎮蠡臺(tai)(今(jin)河南(nan)商(shang)丘(qiu)),傅顏率(lv)軍南(nan)巡淮河,終令國(guo)家(jia)安穩下來。
建熙六年(365年)二月,慕容恪與吳王(wang)慕容垂共攻洛陽。三(san)月,克之,俘虜揚武將(jiang)軍(jun)沈勁。慕容恪惜之為(wei)(wei)奇士欲赦免,慕容虔(qian)上書說(shuo):沈勁雖為(wei)(wei)奇士,卻終不可為(wei)(wei)己(ji)所(suo)用,留之必患。遂斬殺沈勁。
慕(mu)容恪奪取洛陽(yang)后(hou),隨即略地(di)至崤山、澠池,關(guan)中大震,前秦天王(wang)苻堅(jian)親自到陜城(cheng)進行防備(bei)。不久,慕(mu)容恪率軍撤回鄴城(cheng)。
當時吳王慕容(rong)(rong)垂才(cai)能出眾,慕容(rong)(rong)恪對其非常倚重,曾(ceng)多次向燕主進行推薦。
建熙七年(366年),慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪病(bing)重,深慮慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐手中無實權(quan),而慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)評又(you)多猜忌,便(bian)對慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐之兄、樂安王(wang)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)臧舉薦吳王(wang)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)垂,但是慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)臧沒有聽從(cong)慕(mu)(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪的(de)話。
慕容(rong)暐(wei)親臨慕容(rong)恪府(fu)向他詢問后事,慕容(rong)恪再次(ci)向慕容(rong)暐(wei)推薦慕容(rong)垂,說(shuo):“我聽聞,傅說(shuo)舉薦士人(ren)。板筑之(zhi)人(ren)都可以(yi),更何(he)況是國(guo)家(jia)的懿籓(fan)!吳王兼具(ju)文武之(zhi)才(cai),才(cai)能僅(jin)次(ci)于管仲、蕭何(he)。陛下如果(guo)把(ba)政務交給他,國(guo)家(jia)就(jiu)能獲得安定。不然(ran),我怕二寇肯定會(hui)有窺窬(yu)之(zhi)計(ji)。”慕容(rong)恪言終而卒。死后,贈本官(guan),謚(shi)號為桓。
慕容(rong)恪(ke)一生,戰昌黎(li)、密云,破高句麗(li)、宇文部,攻(gong)石趙殘(can)余,滅冉魏、段齊,討呂(lv)護平(ping)野王,擊東晉下洛(luo)陽,戰功(gong)赫赫,構筑(zhu)了前(qian)燕的最大版圖。同時,慕容(rong)儁(jun)死后,官拜太宰,輔佐幼主慕容(rong)暐,以謙恭寬和的姿態穩定國(guo)政,使得國(guo)內相對(dui)穩定。
慕容皝:“恪智勇俱濟,汝其委(wei)之。”
王猛(meng):“慕容(rong)玄恭(gong),信奇士也,可(ke)謂(wei)古(gu)之遺愛矣!”
崔浩:“王猛之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)經國,苻堅之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)管仲也;慕(mu)容恪之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)輔少主,慕(mu)容暐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)霍光(guang)也。”
張預:“沉深有(you)大(da)度。......容貌魁杰(jie),雄毅嚴(yan)重,每所言及,輒經綸世務,.......數(shu)從(cong)皝征伐,臨機多奇策(ce)。......雖執(zhi)權政事,必諮之(zhi)于評。罷朝歸(gui)第,則盡心色(se)養,手不釋卷(juan)。.......恪為(wei)將(jiang)不尚(shang)威(wei)嚴(yan),專以恩信御(yu)物,務于大(da)略(lve),不以小(xiao)令勞眾。軍(jun)士有(you)犯(fan)法(fa),密縱舍之(zhi),捕斬(zhan)賊(zei)首(shou)以令軍(jun)。營內不整(zheng)似可犯(fan),而(er)防(fang)御(yu)甚(shen)嚴(yan),終無(wu)喪敗(bai)。........恪之(zhi)為(wei)將(jiang),專以恩信而(er)不尚(shang)威(wei)嚴(yan)是也。”
張(zhang)預: “孫子曰:‘輔周則國(guo)必強。’恪(ke)在(zai)中原(yuan),桓溫以(yi)(yi)謂所(suo)憂(you)方大。又曰:‘卒未親附而(er)罰之,則不服。’恪(ke)之為將,專以(yi)(yi)恩信而(er)不尚威嚴是也。”
陳普:“霜雹風沙雜亂飛,段龕(kan)地下(xia)見春歸(gui)。時來但處周公位,歷舉華人(ren)(ren)百(bai)世(shi)希。”“當時人(ren)(ren)才南有(you)謝安,北有(you)慕容恪,西有(you)王猛。較其分數,玄恭其賢矣(yi),安石善處轇(jiu)轕之(zhi)際,富貴之(zhi)心薄而家世(shi)清(qing)虛,無能遠(yuan)猷。王景(jing)略干將吳鉤薄于德矣(yi)。玄恭才優(you)而心正,獨不能力(li)主。李績終(zhong)殺,沈勁為可恨。而其討段龕(kan),城下(xia)數語,天(tian)地鬼神實聞之(zhi)事。”
張大齡(ling)(ling):“慕容氏自(zi)龍(long)驤以(yi)(yi)(yi)來,世(shi)豪東夏,其子孫俱英朗雄杰(jie),發(fa)在童孺,天之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)所興,其誰廢之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)!太(tai)(tai)原德業邁於(wu)(wu)狐趙(zhao),吳王(wang)才(cai)(cai)器不(bu)下管蕭。昔舜生諸馮(feng),東夷(yi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)(ren)可以(yi)(yi)(yi)其鮮卑而少(shao)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)?償恪而不(bu)死,更得明主事之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),與(yu)吳王(wang)垂左提右挈,驅駕才(cai)(cai)俊,混一(yi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)業,指顧而定矣(yi)(yi)!乃(nai)吳王(wang)力足(zu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)討評,而不(bu)為首亂;時(shi)足(zu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)取(qu)堅,而還其舊兵;威(wei)足(zu)以(yi)(yi)(yi)困丕,而開以(yi)(yi)(yi)生路,尤人(ren)(ren)所難者。至於(wu)(wu)八十之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)齡(ling)(ling),取(qu)西燕如(ru)拾(shi)芥,挫魏(wei)兵如(ru)發(fa)蒙,真(zhen)太(tai)(tai)原所謂(wei)命世(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)才(cai)(cai)也。后來亡國(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)主,猶自(zi)翹然,身在鼎俎,神(shen)色不(bu)變。蓋先世(shi)大有功德,故子孫蹶而復奮,不(bu)若(ruo)諸胡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)敗(bai)涂(tu)地。予於(wu)(wu)和龍(long)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)君,獨(du)有取(qu)爾者以(yi)(yi)(yi)此。太(tai)(tai)尉(wei)裕平燕之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)日,欲坑廣固,得韓范諫而止。嗚呼!燕何罪(zui)哉(zai)!前燕開基,取(qu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)劉石。后燕恢復,奪之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)苻秦。燕何罪(zui)哉(zai)!而戮之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)若(ruo)斯之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)慘也。太(tai)(tai)尉(wei)此舉,不(bu)惟遠愧三代吊伐之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)師,且近(jin)有怍於(wu)(wu)玄恭景(jing)略矣(yi)(yi)。惜哉(zai)!”
《廣名將(jiang)傳》:“前燕(yan)慕容(rong)(rong)恪,深沉有(you)略。皝(huang)授以兵,從征參酌(zhuo)。使鎮遼東,寇不(bu)敢作。嗣(si)雋親之,立功不(bu)薄。俊(jun)死暐孤(gu),復以后托。有(you)謀中(zhong)原(yuan),桓曰大(da)錯。慕容(rong)(rong)恪存,憂方如昨(zuo)。慕輿根(gen)誅(zhu),內外錯愕。恪獨(du)安之,使人(ren)把捉。罷朝而歸,養(yang)親為樂。臨死薦賢,報恩急著(zhu)。忠孝若斯,才應(ying)兼學。”
王夫之(zhi)(zhi):“五胡(hu)旋(xuan)起旋(xuan)滅,而中(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)死于(yu)兵(bing)刃者不(bu)可殫(dan)計。殫(dan)中(zhong)原(yuan)之(zhi)(zhi)民于(yu)兵(bing)刃,而其(qi)旋(xuan)起者亦必(bi)旋(xuan)滅。其(qi)能有(you)人之(zhi)(zhi)心而因以自(zi)(zi)全者,唯慕容恪(ke)(ke)乎!故中(zhong)國之(zhi)(zhi)君,一姓不(bu)再(zai)興,而慕容氏既滅而復起。恪(ke)(ke)圍段龕(kan)(kan)于(yu)廣固,諸(zhu)將請亟攻之(zhi)(zhi),恪(ke)(ke)曰:“龕(kan)(kan)兵(bing)尚(shang)眾,未有(you)離心,盡(jin)銳攻之(zhi)(zhi),殺吾(wu)士(shi)卒必(bi)多矣,自(zi)(zi)有(you)事中(zhong)原(yuan),兵(bing)不(bu)暫息,吾(wu)每(mei)念之(zhi)(zhi),夜而忘寐,要在取之(zhi)(zhi),不(bu)必(bi)求功之(zhi)(zhi)速。”嗚呼!惻(ce)悱之(zhi)(zhi)言,自(zi)(zi)其(qi)中(zhong)發,功成而人免于(yu)死,恪(ke)(ke)可不(bu)謂夷中(zhong)之(zhi)(zhi)錚(zheng)錚(zheng)者乎!”
李鴻章:“為(wei)國者,但問(wen)自治,而不依他人(ren)(ren)之禍福。晉人(ren)(ren)喜慕容儁之沒,豈(qi)知慕容恪之更(geng)勝。今(jin)日急務,莫先儲才。培植人(ren)(ren)才必以學堂為(wei)根本。”
宋丹凝:“雖然(ran)慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪為(wei)(wei)一(yi)代名(ming)將(jiang),但其政治功績(ji)也非(fei)常大。在慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)儁死后,慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪甘為(wei)(wei)周公,輔佐幼主慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)暐(wei);官至太宰,虛懷(huai)待物,知人善任;整頓吏治,嚴明(ming)賞(shang)罰,謙虛謹(jin)慎,從(cong)不專斷;誅殺(sha)叛(pan)臣(chen)慕(mu)輿根,穩(wen)定(ding)朝政。前燕政局的(de)穩(wen)定(ding),多半是慕(mu)容(rong)(rong)恪的(de)功勞(lao)。”
梁軍:“慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)的(de)(de)一生,也是前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)由弱(ruo)變強的(de)(de)一段時間。他(ta)歷事(shi)三(san)主(zhu),在(zai)(zai)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)皝與(yu)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁在(zai)(zai)位時,率軍南征北(bei)戰,開疆拓土,輔佐幼(you)主(zhu)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)暐(wei)七年間,前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)政治(zhi)空(kong)前(qian)(qian)穩定,所以他(ta)在(zai)(zai)燕(yan)國所占的(de)(de)重(zhong)(zhong)要地位是不言而喻的(de)(de)。慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)儁死(si)后(hou),東晉(jin)認為有機可乘,桓溫則說:‘慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)尚存,所憂方為大耳。’在(zai)(zai)其死(si)后(hou),前(qian)(qian)秦、東晉(jin)先后(hou)攻(gong)打前(qian)(qian)燕(yan),前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)也迅速滅亡,這從另一方面(mian)也反映出(chu)慕(mu)(mu)(mu)容(rong)恪(ke)對(dui)于(yu)前(qian)(qian)燕(yan)的(de)(de)重(zhong)(zhong)要性。”
萬繩楠:“慕(mu)容(rong)恪以其(qi)驚人(ren)的(de)戰績,被后(hou)世譽為‘十六國第(di)一名將’。”