歸順劉秀
耿(geng)弇的父親耿(geng)況,曾與王莽從弟王伋同學(xue)(xue),后(hou)為朔調連率(即上谷(gu)太守)。耿(geng)弇少年時期(qi)以勤奮好(hao)學(xue)(xue)著稱。常(chang)見郡中歲終(zhong)舉行郡試,講武(wu)練兵(bing),由衷愛好(hao),因而(er)學(xue)(xue)習騎射,喜好(hao)兵(bing)法(fa)。
更始(shi)元年(nian)(23),劉玄建立(li)更始(shi)政(zheng)權(quan),派遣將(jiang)領占據各地,其中有(you)人憑借權(quan)勢撤換(huan)了一(yi)些(xie)郡(jun)縣(xian)的(de)太守縣(xian)令。耿(geng)況因(yin)是王莽任(ren)命(ming)(ming)的(de)官員,心(xin)中非常(chang)不安,命(ming)(ming)年(nian)方二十一(yi)歲(sui)的(de)耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)去朝見(jian)劉玄,貢(gong)獻方物,以圖鞏固自己(ji)的(de)地位(wei)。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)從上谷南行至宋子(zi)(zi)縣(xian),適(shi)逢王郎自稱漢(han)成(cheng)帝(di)之子(zi)(zi)劉子(zi)(zi)輿,在(zai)(zai)邯鄲(dan)(dan)起事。隨從耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)的(de)上谷郡(jun)吏(li)孫倉、衛包(bao)信以為真,遂投奔王郎。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)因(yin)長安道路阻隔,聽說(shuo)更始(shi)大司馬劉秀在(zai)(zai)盧奴(nu),乃北上晉見(jian),被(bei)任(ren)命(ming)(ming)為門下吏(li)。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)請求回上谷發兵攻取邯鄲(dan)(dan),劉秀笑道:“小小年(nian)紀竟有(you)大志啊!”因(yin)此數次召見(jian)他并加(jia)恩慰。
不久,劉秀北(bei)至薊(ji)城。后(hou)來,劉秀聽說邯鄲派(pai)兵來薊(ji),欲(yu)要南(nan)下(xia),召集官屬商議。耿弇道(dao):“漁陽太(tai)守彭寵,是(shi)(shi)您的(de)同鄉;上谷太(tai)守,是(shi)(shi)我(wo)的(de)父親。發動這(zhe)兩(liang)郡(jun)人馬,有(you)萬騎(qi)之眾,邯鄲是(shi)(shi)容易奪取的(de)。”劉秀官屬都不愿北(bei)行,劉秀卻指著耿弇道(dao):“這(zhe)是(shi)(shi)我(wo)的(de)北(bei)道(dao)主(zhu)人。”恰(qia)巧這(zhe)時薊(ji)城騷(sao)亂(luan),劉秀匆忙南(nan)下(xia),官屬各自分散。
平定河北
更始二(er)年(nian)(24),耿弇(yan)(yan)(yan)回到昌(chang)平,勸說父親耿況歸附劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)。耿況派寇(kou)(kou)恂前往漁陽(yang),約同漁陽(yang)太守彭寵發兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)支持劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu),二(er)郡各發騎兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)二(er)千(qian)、步兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)一千(qian)。于是(shi),耿弇(yan)(yan)(yan)、寇(kou)(kou)恂、景丹率(lv)上(shang)谷兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)與吳(wu)漢(han)所(suo)率(lv)漁陽(yang)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)會師南下,沿(yan)途擊(ji)斬王郎(lang)的(de)大將、九卿、校尉以下四(si)百余(yu)人,攻(gong)(gong)取涿郡、中山、巨鹿、清(qing)河、河間(jian)所(suo)屬二(er)十(shi)二(er)縣,終于在(zai)廣阿追上(shang)了劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)。這(zhe)時,劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)正在(zai)進攻(gong)(gong)王郎(lang),見二(er)郡兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)馬前來非(fei)常高興,封耿況為(wei)大將軍、歸義(yi)侯,耿弇(yan)(yan)(yan)、吳(wu)漢(han)等人皆為(wei)偏將軍。此后(hou),耿弇(yan)(yan)(yan)等人隨劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)攻(gong)(gong)克邯(han)鄲。
劉玄見劉秀(xiu)(xiu)聲威日盛,對(dui)他產生(sheng)疑忌(ji),于是(shi)遣(qian)使者立其為(wei)蕭王(wang),令他罷兵(bing)率領部下將(jiang)士(shi)(shi)(shi)回長安(an),又派遣(qian)苗曾為(wei)幽州牧,韋順(shun)為(wei)上(shang)谷(gu)太守(shou),蔡充(chong)為(wei)漁陽(yang)(yang)太守(shou),企(qi)圖瓦解劉秀(xiu)(xiu)在河北的勢(shi)力。當時劉秀(xiu)(xiu)居住于邯鄲宮溫(wen)明殿,耿弇前(qian)至(zhi)床(chuang)前(qian)道:“今(jin)更(geng)(geng)始失政(zheng),君(jun)臣淫亂,諸將(jiang)在京畿(ji)之內(nei)擅(shan)作威福,王(wang)公貴(gui)戚們在京都縱(zong)橫暴虐。天(tian)子之命,出(chu)不(bu)了城門,下面的州牧郡(jun)守(shou),動(dong)不(bu)動(dong)就(jiu)被遷徙更(geng)(geng)換,百姓(xing)不(bu)知所從,士(shi)(shi)(shi)民(min)莫敢自安(an)。虜掠財物,劫(jie)掠婦女(nv),懷有金(jin)玉的大富顯(xian)貴(gui),沒有能生(sheng)還的。平民(min)百姓(xing)捶(chui)胸頓足,反而更(geng)(geng)加思念王(wang)莽。又有銅馬、赤眉等(deng)起義軍(jun),擁(yong)眾(zhong)數(shu)十百萬,更(geng)(geng)始不(bu)能剿滅。更(geng)(geng)始的失敗為(wei)期不(bu)遠(yuan)。您首舉義旗于南(nan)陽(yang)(yang),破百萬之軍(jun);今(jin)平定(ding)河北,據有天(tian)府之地。以大義討伐,發出(chu)號令,群起響應,天(tian)下只要(yao)傳(chuan)檄(xi)就(jiu)可(ke)平定(ding)。天(tian)下是(shi)最為(wei)重要(yao)的,不(bu)可(ke)讓外(wai)姓(xing)人得到。聽說(shuo)有使者從西方來(lai),要(yao)你罷兵(bing),千萬別聽。今(jin)官吏士(shi)(shi)(shi)卒死亡的多,我愿回幽州去(qu),增發精兵(bing),以成大計。”
劉秀(xiu)聽了十(shi)分高(gao)興(xing),拜耿弇(yan)為大(da)將軍(jun)(jun),令(ling)他與吳漢北(bei)(bei)上(shang)征發幽(you)州十(shi)郡(jun)兵馬。耿弇(yan)到上(shang)谷,斬殺韋順、蔡充,吳漢也殺掉(diao)苗曾。不久(jiu),耿弇(yan)率幽(you)州兵南下,隨劉秀(xiu)轉戰(zhan)河(he)北(bei)(bei),擊破(po)銅(tong)馬、高(gao)湖、青(qing)犢、赤(chi)眉、尤來、五幡、大(da)槍等各路農(nong)民軍(jun)(jun),耿弇(yan)經常率精騎為前鋒,屢立戰(zhan)功。劉秀(xiu)回薊之后(hou),耿弇(yan)與吳漢、景(jing)丹、蓋延(yan)、朱(zhu)祐(you)、邳彤、耿純、劉植、岑彭(peng)、祭遵、王霸、陳俊(jun)(jun)、堅鐔、馬武十(shi)三(san)將軍(jun)(jun)繼續(xu)追擊農(nong)民軍(jun)(jun)殘(can)部(bu)(bu),在(zai)潞東、平谷,連續(xu)重創敵軍(jun)(jun),斬首一萬三(san)千余級,最后(hou)一直追到右北(bei)(bei)平郡(jun)的無終縣(今(jin)天津薊縣)、土垠縣(今(jin)河(he)北(bei)(bei)豐潤(run)縣)、俊(jun)(jun)靡(mi)(今(jin)河(he)北(bei)(bei)遵化市),將農(nong)民軍(jun)(jun)殘(can)部(bu)(bu)消滅得干干凈凈。
橫掃齊魯
建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)元年(25),劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)稱帝。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)拜建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)威大將(jiang)軍,與景丹(dan)、陳(chen)俊攻(gong)破(po)(po)(po)厭新賊。建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)二年(26),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)封好畤侯(hou),食邑兩(liang)縣。建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)三(san)年(27),延(yan)(yan)(yan)岑自(zi)漢中出(chu)武(wu)關,侵(qin)擾南陽(yang)(yang)各縣,攻(gong)破(po)(po)(po)數(shu)城(cheng)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)率(lv)軍與延(yan)(yan)(yan)岑大戰于穰縣,大敗敵(di)軍,斬首(shou)三(san)千(qian)(qian)余級、俘獲五千(qian)(qian)余人,繳獲印綬(shou)三(san)百。延(yan)(yan)(yan)岑率(lv)數(shu)騎(qi)逃(tao)奔(ben)東陽(yang)(yang),與秦豐合(he)兵一(yi)處。此時,彭寵(chong)(chong)攻(gong)陷薊城(cheng),自(zi)稱燕王,涿郡太(tai)守張豐起兵響應。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)擊敗延(yan)(yan)(yan)岑后,隨(sui)劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)至舂陵,請求“定彭寵(chong)(chong)于漁陽(yang)(yang),取張豐于涿郡,還(huan)(huan)收富平(ping)、獲索(suo),東攻(gong)張步(bu),以平(ping)齊(qi)地”。劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)甚為嘉許。建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)四年(28),劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)命耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)進(jin)攻(gong)漁陽(yang)(yang)。耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)因父親耿(geng)(geng)況曾(ceng)與彭寵(chong)(chong)有(you)交情,又沒(mei)有(you)家(jia)屬留(liu)在(zai)洛(luo)陽(yang)(yang),恐怕引起疑(yi)心(xin),上書(shu)請求回(hui)還(huan)(huan)洛(luo)陽(yang)(yang)。劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)下詔要他放心(xin),并命他與王常(chang)一(yi)起屯兵涿郡。耿(geng)(geng)況聞知命耿(geng)(geng)國(guo)到洛(luo)陽(yang)(yang)侍候(hou)天子,以表忠心(xin)。劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)進(jin)封耿(geng)(geng)況為隃麋侯(hou),命耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)與建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)義大將(jiang)軍朱祐、漢忠將(jiang)軍王常(chang)等進(jin)攻(gong)望都(dou)、故(gu)安等地十余營壘,都(dou)攻(gong)破(po)(po)(po)了。建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)武(wu)五年(29),耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)與大司馬吳漢迫降平(ping)原(yuan)地區(qu)的富平(ping)、獲索(suo)兩(liang)支農民軍。劉(liu)秀(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)遂命耿(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)進(jin)討張步(bu)。
耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇收集降兵(bing)(bing)(bing)和部曲、任命官吏(li),率騎都尉劉歆、太(tai)山太(tai)守(shou)陳(chen)俊率兵(bing)(bing)(bing)東進,從朝陽橋渡(du)河(he)。張步得(de)知,派大將軍(jun)費(fei)(fei)邑(yi)(yi)屯(tun)軍(jun)歷下(xia),又(you)分(fen)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)屯(tun)祝阿,又(you)在太(tai)山鐘(zhong)(zhong)城列(lie)數十座(zuo)軍(jun)營待耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇來攻(gong)(gong)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇渡(du)過(guo)黃(huang)河(he)后(hou)先(xian)攻(gong)(gong)取(qu)祝阿,圍城時故意留(liu)(liu)一(yi)角,使(shi)祝阿人逃(tao)奔鐘(zhong)(zhong)城。鐘(zhong)(zhong)城兵(bing)(bing)(bing)民聞祝阿失(shi)守(shou),紛紛逃(tao)奔,于是漢軍(jun)不(bu)戰而取(qu)得(de)了(le)鐘(zhong)(zhong)城要塞。費(fei)(fei)邑(yi)(yi)又(you)派其弟費(fei)(fei)敢(gan)把守(shou)要隘巨里(地名)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇令軍(jun)中修理攻(gong)(gong)具(ju),揚言三日后(hou)攻(gong)(gong)巨里,引誘費(fei)(fei)邑(yi)(yi)前來救援。費(fei)(fei)邑(yi)(yi)果然統率三萬精(jing)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)前來,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇留(liu)(liu)三千(qian)人圍巨里,自率精(jing)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)埋伏山坡兩側,當費(fei)(fei)邑(yi)(yi)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)到,居高臨下(xia)沖潰敵軍(jun),斬殺費(fei)(fei)邑(yi)(yi),把費(fei)(fei)邑(yi)(yi)的首級向巨里城守(shou)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)展(zhan)示,城中守(shou)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)驚懼(ju),費(fei)(fei)敢(gan)率眾逃(tao)歸張步。然后(hou),耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇縱兵(bing)(bing)(bing)掃蕩未降的殘兵(bing)(bing)(bing)四十余營,一(yi)舉平(ping)定了(le)濟(ji)南郡。
當時(shi)張(zhang)步(bu)定都于劇縣(xian)(今山東(dong)昌樂縣(xian)西(xi)(xi)),耿弇(yan)(yan)攻(gong)克濟南郡(jun)(jun)后(hou),進(jin)逼劇城(cheng)。張(zhang)步(bu)派其弟張(zhang)藍率(lv)(lv)領精兵(bing)二萬駐守(shou)臨(lin)淄(zi)西(xi)(xi)北的(de)西(xi)(xi)安(an),各(ge)郡(jun)(jun)太守(shou)所部萬余(yu)人駐守(shou)臨(lin)淄(zi),相距四十余(yu)里。耿弇(yan)(yan)進(jin)軍(jun)畫中(地名),處在(zai)二城(cheng)之間。耿弇(yan)(yan)見(jian)西(xi)(xi)安(an)城(cheng)小而(er)(er)(er)(er)堅(jian)固,張(zhang)藍部下(xia)多是精兵(bing),易守(shou)難攻(gong),臨(lin)淄(zi)城(cheng)雖大而(er)(er)(er)(er)易攻(gong),便準備采取聲東(dong)擊西(xi)(xi)的(de)策略(lve),揚言五日后(hou)將(jiang)攻(gong)西(xi)(xi)安(an)。張(zhang)藍聞知后(hou),日夜(ye)(ye)(ye)警戒嚴守(shou)。到(dao)了(le)(le)后(hou)四日夜(ye)(ye)(ye)半(ban),耿弇(yan)(yan)卻命諸(zhu)將(jiang)半(ban)夜(ye)(ye)(ye)出(chu)(chu)發,至天(tian)明趕到(dao)臨(lin)淄(zi)城(cheng)下(xia)。護(hu)軍(jun)荀梁等(deng)認為應速攻(gong)西(xi)(xi)安(an)。耿弇(yan)(yan)道:“西(xi)(xi)安(an)聽(ting)說我(wo)(wo)們要(yao)攻(gong)它(ta),日夜(ye)(ye)(ye)作了(le)(le)準備;臨(lin)淄(zi)出(chu)(chu)其不意(yi)而(er)(er)(er)(er)到(dao),必(bi)定驚擾(rao),我(wo)(wo)攻(gong)它(ta)一(yi)天(tian)就(jiu)(jiu)能(neng)(neng)拿下(xia)。攻(gong)下(xia)臨(lin)淄(zi)西(xi)(xi)安(an)就(jiu)(jiu)孤(gu)立了(le)(le),張(zhang)藍與張(zhang)步(bu)隔絕(jue),必(bi)定再逃亡而(er)(er)(er)(er)去,這就(jiu)(jiu)是擊一(yi)而(er)(er)(er)(er)得二的(de)良(liang)計。若先攻(gong)西(xi)(xi)安(an),一(yi)時(shi)不能(neng)(neng)破城(cheng),屯(tun)兵(bing)在(zai)堅(jian)城(cheng)之下(xia),死傷必(bi)多,即使能(neng)(neng)攻(gong)下(xia),張(zhang)藍引軍(jun)還奔臨(lin)淄(zi),合(he)并兵(bing)力,坐觀虛實,我(wo)(wo)深入敵地,后(hou)面糧(liang)草供應不上,十日之間,不戰而(er)(er)(er)(er)困了(le)(le)。諸(zhu)君的(de)意(yi)見(jian),不見(jian)得合(he)適。”于是進(jin)攻(gong)臨(lin)淄(zi),半(ban)天(tian)便破城(cheng),進(jin)據城(cheng)內。張(zhang)藍聽(ting)到(dao)后(hou)率(lv)(lv)部逃歸劇縣(xian)。
耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)命(ming)令軍中不得妄自侵掠劇(ju)(ju)縣(xian),必須等(deng)到(dao)(dao)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)到(dao)(dao)了才進攻劇(ju)(ju)縣(xian),以激怒張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)聽到(dao)(dao)后大(da)笑說(shuo):“以尤來(lai)、大(da)彤十多(duo)萬眾,我都就其(qi)營(ying)而(er)打敗他(ta)。今天耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)比(bi)他(ta)們(men)少(shao),又都疲勞,有什(shen)么可怕(pa)呢!”于是與(yu)三弟張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)藍、張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)弘、張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)壽及大(da)彤大(da)帥重(zhong)異等(deng)率(lv)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)到(dao)(dao)臨淄大(da)城(cheng)(cheng)東(dong),欲攻打耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)先出(chu)淄水,與(yu)重(zhong)異相遇,故意示弱以盛(sheng)(sheng)其(qi)氣焰,回兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)小城(cheng)(cheng),陳兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)城(cheng)(cheng)內(nei)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)氣盛(sheng)(sheng),直攻耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)營(ying)地,與(yu)劉歆(xin)等(deng)大(da)戰。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)登上(shang)王(wang)宮的壞臺觀看,又自率(lv)精兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)從側(ce)面突(tu)擊張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)陣,大(da)破張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)。戰中,飛矢射中耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)股部,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)用佩(pei)刀斬斷箭(jian)矢,左右都不知(zhi)道耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)中了箭(jian)矢。次日早晨,耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)又勒(le)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)出(chu)戰。當時(shi)劉秀在魯,得知(zhi)耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)被張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)所攻,正親自趕(gan)來(lai)援助耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)。陳俊(jun)對耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“劇(ju)(ju)賊兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)強盛(sheng)(sheng),可暫時(shi)閉(bi)營(ying)休(xiu)養士卒,以等(deng)待(dai)(dai)皇帝到(dao)(dao)來(lai)。”耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)說(shuo):“天子將到(dao)(dao),臣子應殺牛灑酒(jiu)以等(deng)待(dai)(dai)百官的到(dao)(dao)來(lai),反而(er)還(huan)要以賊虜來(lai)麻煩君上(shang)嗎?”于是出(chu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)大(da)戰,自清晨至黃昏,再次大(da)破張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)軍,殺傷無數。耿(geng)(geng)(geng)弇(yan)(yan)(yan)知(zhi)道張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)困將退,預(yu)先設(she)置左右兩翼伏兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)以待(dai)(dai)。到(dao)(dao)深(shen)夜,張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)果然(ran)引兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)退去,兩翼伏兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)奮起縱擊,追到(dao)(dao)鉅(ju)昧水,八九十里死(si)尸相連,收得輜(zi)重(zhong)兩千多(duo)輛(liang)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)步(bu)(bu)逃回劇(ju)(ju)縣(xian),兄弟各自分(fen)兵(bing)(bing)(bing)(bing)散去。
幾日后,劉(liu)秀(xiu)親自到(dao)臨淄(zi)勞軍(jun)。群臣(chen)大(da)會,劉(liu)秀(xiu)盛(sheng)贊耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan),并將其與韓信相比(bi)。不久,耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)再次追擊張(zhang)步。張(zhang)步逃到(dao)平壽,脫去(qu)上(shang)衣身負斧锧請罪于軍(jun)門。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)送張(zhang)步到(dao)行在,而勒兵進據其城(cheng),收降張(zhang)步的兵眾(zhong)十余萬(wan),輜重七千余兩,全部遣(qian)散他們回(hui)鄉(xiang)。后來。耿(geng)弇(yan)(yan)再引兵至城(cheng)陽,收降五校余黨(dang),平定齊地,凱(kai)旋(xuan)回(hui)京。
征討隴右
建武六年(30),耿弇(yan)西拒(ju)隗囂(xiao),劉秀命耿弇(yan)等七將軍從隴道伐蜀,耿弇(yan)屯兵于漆縣。
建(jian)武八年(32),耿弇又隨劉秀(xiu)進攻隴右,耿弇與虎(hu)牙大將軍蓋延圍上(shang)邽。
建武九年(nian)(33),耿弇(yan)與中郎將來歙分兵平定(ding)安定(ding)、北地諸營堡。
建武十年(nian)(34),耿弇與來歙、蓋延(yan)等(deng)攻破(po)落門,隗純投降。
晚年生活
建武十三年(37),劉秀命增加耿弇的食(shi)邑。不久,耿弇上(shang)繳大將軍(jun)印綬,以列侯身(shen)份(fen)列席朝會。劉秀每遇四方有不同(tong)意見,經常召見耿弇顧問籌策。
永平元(yuan)年(58),耿弇病逝,年五十六歲,謚(shi)曰愍侯。
總評
在(zai)(zai)東(dong)征的(de)一系(xi)列戰役中(zhong),耿弇(yan)充分顯(xian)示了他的(de)軍事才能。在(zai)(zai)各個戰役中(zhong),他采(cai)用了心理戰、攻堅戰、圍城打援(yuan)、聲東(dong)擊西、避強擊弱等一系(xi)列戰術,而且運用巧妙,每戰必勝。耿弇(yan)是一個難(nan)得的(de)勇將,在(zai)(zai)自(zi)身中(zhong)箭負傷的(de)情況(kuang)下(xia),鎮定自(zi)若,繼續激勵部(bu)下(xia)戰斗,充分顯(xian)示出將帥(shuai)的(de)風度。
歷代評價
范曄在《后漢書》中,將耿弇(yan)獨列一傳,并評價道:
弇凡所平郡四十六,屠城三百,未嘗挫折。
論曰:淮陰廷(ting)論項(xiang)王,審料成埶,則知高(gao)祖之(zhi)廟勝(sheng)矣。耿弇(yan)(yan)決(jue)策(ce)河北,定計南陽,亦見光武之(zhi)業(ye)成矣。然弇(yan)(yan)自克(ke)拔全(quan)齊,而無復(fu)尺寸(cun)功(gong)(gong)。夫豈不懷(huai)?將(jiang)時之(zhi)度(du)數,不足以(yi)相(xiang)容乎?三世為將(jiang),道家所忌,而耿氏累(lei)葉(xie)以(yi)功(gong)(gong)名自終。將(jiang)其用兵欲以(yi)殺止殺乎?何其獨能隆也!
贊曰:好畤經武(wu),能畫能兵。往(wang)收燕卒,來集(ji)漢(han)營。請閑趙(zhao)殿,釃(shi)酒齊城。
劉秀(xiu):昔韓(han)信(xin)破(po)歷下以(yi)(yi)開基,今(jin)將(jiang)軍攻祝阿(a)以(yi)(yi)發跡,此皆齊之西界,功足相方。而(er)韓(han)信(xin)襲(xi)擊已(yi)降,將(jiang)軍獨(du)拔(ba)勁(jing)敵,其功乃(nai)難于(yu)信(xin)也。
慕容(rong)鐘:昔(xi)韓(han)信以裨將伐齊(qi),有征無戰;耿弇以偏軍討步,克(ke)不移朔。
《十七史(shi)百將(jiang)傳》:“孫子(zi)曰(yue):‘善(shan)戰者(zhe),致(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)而(er)不致(zhi)(zhi)于人(ren)。’弇(yan)逼巨里(li)而(er)致(zhi)(zhi)費(fei)邑。又曰(yue):‘善(shan)攻(gong)者(zhe),敵不知其所守。’弇(yan)攻(gong)西安(an)而(er)拔臨淄是也(ye)。”
洪(hong)邁(mai):耿弇與光(guang)武同討王郎,愿歸幽州,益發(fa)精兵(bing),定彭寵,取張豐,還收富平(ping)、獲索,東攻張步,以平(ping)齊(qi)地,帝常以為落落難合,而事竟成。
陳元靚(jing):弱冠稱兵,時(shi)惟好矣。附翼(yi)攀鱗(lin),風飛云(yun)起。力贊真(zhen)人,身先突(tu)騎。底定(ding)三秦,淮陰之比。
徐鈞:馳(chi)召蕭王命罷(ba)兵(bing),獻謀懷(huai)貳見尤(you)明(ming)。平齊定趙基圖壯,有志方知(zhi)事(shi)竟成。
葉居(ju)升:世間奇(qi)才,罕有如顏(yan)回(hui)、耿(geng)弇、鄧(deng)禹者,固(gu)未可拘于常法。
王夫之(zhi):光武所與興者,南陽崛起之(zhi)流輩(bei),而其(qi)收河北以為根本,則唯(wei)得(de)耿(geng)弇、寇(kou)恂(xun)、吳漢而大業定。
鄭(zheng)觀應:古(gu)之所謂將(jiang)(jiang)才(cai)者,曰儒將(jiang)(jiang)、曰大將(jiang)(jiang)、曰才(cai)將(jiang)(jiang)、曰戰將(jiang)(jiang)。孫臏、吳起、白起、耿弇(yan)、楊素、慕容紹(shao)宗(zong)、李光弼、馬燧等(deng),才(cai)將(jiang)(jiang)也。
李(li)景星:淮(huai)陰無基可(ke)(ke)藉,弇(yan)則有業(ye)(ye)可(ke)(ke)承;淮(huai)陰誅及本身,弇(yan)則榮(rong)施后世。論其始終,適成反對(dui);至其建(jian)功立(li)業(ye)(ye),兩人如出(chu)一轍。……弇(yan)入造床(chuang)下請間說(shuo)光武(wu),則淮(huai)陰登壇(tan)之對(dui)也(ye)(ye);弇(yan)到上(shang)谷收斬韋順、蔡充,則淮(huai)陰鹵(lu)豹(bao)之謀(mou)也(ye)(ye);弇(yan)進討張步,以次(ci)削平齊地(di),則淮(huai)陰破趙服燕,終于(yu)定齊之功也(ye)(ye)。
蔡東藩:耿弇諸將,能諫阻光(guang)(guang)武(wu)之(zhi)赦(she)奉,不知(zhi)諫阻光(guang)(guang)武(wu)之(zhi)封吾,其亦(yi)一(yi)得(de)一(yi)失(shi)也(ye)歟(yu)!