吳越爭霸是指歷史上春秋時期吳越兩國互相征伐的一段時期。周景王元年(公元前(qian)544年),吳(wu)侵越時所獲戰俘剌死吳(wu)王余(yu)祭。周敬王十年(前(qian)510年),吳(wu)大舉攻(gong)楚前(qian),為解除后顧之憂,又(you)曾攻(gong)越,占領檇(zui)李(今浙江嘉興南)。
十五年,吳(wu)軍主力(li)在楚都郢時,越乘(cheng)機侵入吳(wu)境,雙(shuang)方矛(mao)盾日趨激化(hua)。從地緣上看吳(wu)國(guo)欲爭霸中(zhong)原,必先征服(fu)越國(guo),以解除其(qi)后方威脅;而(er)越國(guo)欲北(bei)進中(zhong)原,更必先征服(fu)吳(wu)國(guo)才能夠打通北(bei)進中(zhong)原的通道,因而(er)引起延(yan)續二(er)十余年的吳(wu)越戰爭。
兩國(guo)相互征(zheng)伐多年(nian)(nian)直至笠澤之戰(zhan)后,吳、越(yue)(yue)力量對比(bi)發生(sheng)了根(gen)本變化,越(yue)(yue)已(yi)占有絕對優勢。周元王(wang)元年(nian)(nian)(前475年(nian)(nian)),越(yue)(yue)再度攻吳。吳軍無力迎戰(zhan),據都城防守。越(yue)(yue)于吳都西南郊筑城,謀長(chang)期圍(wei)困。吳數次遣使(shi)請和(he),均遭(zao)越(yue)(yue)拒絕。三年(nian)(nian),城破,吳王(wang)夫(fu)差(cha)自(zi)殺,吳國(guo)滅亡。
而越國通(tong)過(guo)此次吞并吳國國力大增盛極一(yi)時,而越王勾踐也成(cheng)為了(le)春秋最(zui)后一(yi)位霸(ba)主。
周景(jing)王(wang)元年(nian)(公元前544年(nian)),吳(wu)(wu)侵越(yue)(yue)時所獲戰俘剌死吳(wu)(wu)王(wang)余(yu)祭。周敬王(wang)十(shi)(shi)(shi)年(nian)(前510年(nian)),吳(wu)(wu)大(da)(da)舉攻(gong)楚前,為(wei)(wei)解(jie)除后(hou)顧之憂,又曾攻(gong)越(yue)(yue),占(zhan)領檇李(今浙(zhe)江(jiang)嘉(jia)興南。十(shi)(shi)(shi)五年(nian),吳(wu)(wu)軍(jun)主(zhu)力在(zai)楚都郢(ying)時,越(yue)(yue)乘(cheng)機(ji)侵入(ru)吳(wu)(wu)境(jing),雙(shuang)方矛盾日趨激化。吳(wu)(wu)欲(yu)爭霸中原,必(bi)先(xian)征服越(yue)(yue)國,以解(jie)除其后(hou)方威脅;越(yue)(yue)欲(yu)北(bei)進中原,更必(bi)先(xian)服吳(wu)(wu)才有(you)(you)可能,因(yin)而引起延(yan)續(xu)二十(shi)(shi)(shi)余(yu)年(nian)的(de)(de)吳(wu)(wu)越(yue)(yue)戰爭。吳(wu)(wu)、越(yue)(yue)地(di)處(chu)江(jiang)南水鄉,“以船(chuan)為(wei)(wei)車,以楫為(wei)(wei)馬”(《越(yue)(yue)絕(jue)書·記地(di)傳》),雙(shuang)方多為(wei)(wei)水上作(zuo)戰。此時作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)水軍(jun)的(de)(de)“舟(zhou)師”已成為(wei)(wei)新的(de)(de)兵種(zhong),能獨立完成戰略、戰役任務。吳(wu)(wu)、越(yue)(yue)水軍(jun)有(you)(you)樓(lou)船(chuan)(指揮船(chuan))、大(da)(da)翼(yi)、中翼(yi)、小(xiao)翼(yi)三種(zhong)主(zhu)要戰艦(jian)船(chuan)及(ji)突冒(mao)(mao)(船(chuan)首裝有(you)(you)沖角(jiao))、橋船(chuan)(輕快戰船(chuan))等戰船(chuan)。主(zhu)要戰船(chuan)大(da)(da)翼(yi)船(chuan)長(chang)(chang)20米,寬(kuan)2.7米,載乘(cheng)“戰士二十(shi)(shi)(shi)六(liu)人(ren)(ren),棹(手)五十(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren),舳(zhu)艫(手)三人(ren)(ren),操長(chang)(chang)鉤矛、斧者(各)四(si)人(ren)(ren),吏、仆(pu)、射長(chang)(chang)各一人(ren)(ren)”,連同船(chuan)長(chang)(chang)“凡九(jiu)十(shi)(shi)(shi)一人(ren)(ren)”(《太平御覽》卷(juan)315引《伍子胥(xu)水戰兵法》)。水戰基本方式是(shi)先(xian)用弩射,再進行接舷戰斗,最后(hou)登船(chuan)格斗,有(you)(you)時亦(yi)用突冒(mao)(mao)撞擊(ji)敵船(chuan)。
吳勝越
二十四(si)年(nian)(公元前496年(nian)),吳王(wang)闔閭率軍攻(gong)越(yue),雙方主力戰于(yu)(yu)檇(zui)李。越(yue)以(yi)死(si)罪刑徒陣前自刎(wen),乘吳軍注意力分散(san)之(zhi)機發(fa)動猛(meng)攻(gong),大(da)敗(bai)吳軍。闔閭負傷身(shen)死(si),夫差繼位為王(wang)。二十六年(nian),越(yue)以(yi)水軍攻(gong)吳,戰于(yu)(yu)夫椒(今江(jiang)蘇太(tai)湖(hu)中(zhong)(zhong)洞庭山)。越(yue)軍戰敗(bai),主力被(bei)殲(jian)。吳軍乘勝追擊,占領越(yue)都會稽(ji)(今浙江(jiang)紹興(xing))。越(yue)王(wang)勾踐率余部5000人被(bei)圍于(yu)(yu)會稽(ji)山上。勾踐請(qing)降,吳大(da)臣伍員建議勿許,認為“今不滅越(yue),后(hou)必(bi)悔之(zhi)”。夫差因急于(yu)(yu)北上中(zhong)(zhong)原爭霸,未采納伍子胥(xu)建議,以(yi)越(yue)王(wang)質吳為條件,許降撤兵(參見《夫椒之(zhi)戰》條)。
越王臥薪嘗膽
勾(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)夫婦為吳(wu)王(wang)“駕(jia)車(che)(che)養馬”,執役三年(nian),贏(ying)得夫差信任,獲釋回國。勾(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)為興(xing)(xing)越(yue)滅(mie)吳(wu),“臥薪嘗膽”,發憤圖強(qiang)。其在謀臣(chen)文種、范蠡輔佐下(xia),制定(ding)了“十(shi)年(nian)生聚”、“十(shi)年(nian)教(jiao)訓(xun)”的(de)(de)(de)長期戰(zhan)略(lve):在內政(zheng)(zheng)上(shang)實(shi)行發展生產、獎勵生育及尊重(zhong)人(ren)(ren)才(cai)等政(zheng)(zheng)策(ce),以(yi)(yi)安(an)定(ding)民(min)生,充裕兵源,收攬人(ren)(ren)心(xin),鞏(gong)固團(tuan)結(jie),從(cong)而增強(qiang)綜合國力(li);在軍事上(shang),實(shi)行精(jing)兵政(zheng)(zheng)策(ce),加(jia)強(qiang)訓(xun)練(lian),嚴格(ge)紀律(lv),以(yi)(yi)提高戰(zhan)斗(dou)力(li)。當時弩(nu)已用于作戰(zhan)。戰(zhan)車(che)(che)、戰(zhan)船均(jun)“頓于兵弩(nu)”,戰(zhan)斗(dou)勝(sheng)敗關(guan)鍵又取決于最后之沖(chong)鋒。勾(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)聘(pin)請精(jing)于弓弩(nu)射法的(de)(de)(de)陳音教(jiao)授(shou)用弩(nu)技術,包括瞄準、連續(xu)發射及掌(zhang)握(wo)弩(nu)力(li)與(yu)箭(jian)重(zhong)最佳比例(拉(la)力(li)一(yi)石,箭(jian)重(zhong)一(yi)兩)等方法,使“軍士(shi)皆能(neng)用弓弩(nu)之巧”,聘(pin)請善于“劍戟之術”的(de)(de)(de)越(yue)女教(jiao)授(shou)“手(shou)戰(zhan)”格(ge)斗(dou)技術,使軍士(shi)“一(yi)人(ren)(ren)當百,百人(ren)(ren)當萬”。越(yue)地民(min)風是“悅兵敢死”,慣于各自為戰(zhan)。為此,勾(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)反對(dui)“匹(pi)夫之勇”,強(qiang)調(diao)紀律(lv)性(xing),要求作戰(zhan)單位在統一(yi)號令下(xia)統一(yi)戰(zhan)斗(dou)行動,以(yi)(yi)發揮(hui)整體作戰(zhan)能(neng)力(li)。規定(ding)服(fu)從(cong)指揮(hui)者(zhe)有(you)賞,違犯者(zhe)“身斬,妻子鬻(yu)”。在外交上(shang),針(zhen)(zhen)對(dui)“吳(wu)王(wang)兵加(jia)于齊晉,而怨結(jie)于楚(chu)”的(de)(de)(de)情況,采用“親于齊,深結(jie)于晉,陰(yin)固于楚(chu),而厚事于吳(wu)”的(de)(de)(de)方針(zhen)(zhen)(《吳(wu)越(yue)春秋·勾(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)歸(gui)國外傳》)。厚事于吳(wu),即(ji)效法周文王(wang)對(dui)商紂(zhou)王(wang)“文伐”之謀略(lve),以(yi)(yi)非戰(zhan)爭(zheng)手(shou)段瓦解、削弱(ruo)敵(di)人(ren)(ren)。主要措施有(you),佯(yang)示(shi)忠誠,使吳(wu)王(wang)放(fang)松對(dui)越(yue)戒備,放(fang)手(shou)北上(shang)中(zhong)原(yuan)爭(zheng)霸,縱其所欲,助長吳(wu)王(wang)愛(ai)好宮室(shi)、女色之欲望(wang),使其大興(xing)(xing)土木,耗費(fei)國力(li);并行賄用間,擴大吳(wu)統治集團(tuan)內部矛盾,破壞其團(tuan)結(jie)。施行十(shi)年(nian),使得越(yue)“荒(huang)無遺土,百姓親附”,國力(li)復興(xing)(xing)。越(yue)軍亦成為一(yi)支裝備精(jing)良、訓(xun)練(lian)有(you)素(su)且“人(ren)(ren)有(you)致死之心(xin)”的(de)(de)(de)精(jing)銳(rui)部隊。
吳攻陳魯齊
吳王(wang)夫差在(zai)征服越(yue)國后(hou),即(ji)積極作北進(jin)準備。伍員再次(ci)建議“定越(yue)而后(hou)圖(tu)齊(qi)”,認(ren)為(wei)越(yue)是“腹(fu)心之(zhi)(zhi)病”,而“齊(qi)魯諸(zhu)侯(hou)不過疥癬”之(zhi)(zhi)疾。吳王(wang)仍未(wei)采納(na)。三(san)十一(yi)年(前489年),吳先攻(gong)陳(今(jin)(jin)河南(nan)淮陽(yang)).以解(jie)除其北進(jin)時來自側(ce)翼的(de)威脅。三(san)十三(san)年,吳攻(gong)魯,打(da)開進(jin)軍(jun)(jun)中原的(de)大(da)門。吳為(wei)建立北進(jin)戰略基地及(ji)打(da)通北進(jin)軍(jun)(jun)事運輸(shu)交通線,于(yu)三(san)十四年在(zai)長(chang)江(jiang)(jiang)北岸營建了規模(mo)宏大(da)的(de)邗城(cheng)(今(jin)(jin)江(jiang)(jiang)蘇(su)揚州),開鑿了由(you)今(jin)(jin)揚州經射陽(yang)湖至淮安之(zhi)(zhi)邗溝(gou),溝(gou)通江(jiang)(jiang)、淮水域,并進(jin)而與泗、沂、濟水聯結。三(san)十五年,吳率(lv)魯、邾(zhu)、郯(tan)等國聯軍(jun)(jun)由(you)陸上(shang)攻(gong)齊(qi);派大(da)夫徐承率(lv)水軍(jun)(jun)由(you)長(chang)江(jiang)(jiang)入海,向山東(dong)半(ban)島迂回(hui),攻(gong)齊(qi)側(ce)后(hou)。吳水軍(jun)(jun)海上(shang)作戰失利,陸上(shang)聯軍(jun)(jun)遂退回(hui)(參見吳魯邾(zhu)郯(tan)攻(gong)齊(qi)之(zhi)(zhi)戰)。三(san)十六年,吳再次(ci)攻(gong)齊(qi),在(zai)艾(ai)陵(今(jin)(jin)山東(dong)萊蕪東(dong)北)全(quan)殲齊(qi)軍(jun)(jun)精銳(參見艾(ai)陵之(zhi)(zhi)戰)。三(san)十八年(前482年),夫差率(lv)吳軍(jun)(jun)主力(li)進(jin)至黃(huang)池(今(jin)(jin)河南(nan)封丘西南(nan)),與晉及(ji)中原諸(zhu)侯(hou)會盟,“欲霸(ba)中國”。此時吳之(zhi)(zhi)霸(ba)業達于(yu)頂點(dian)。
越滅吳
當吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)夫(fu)差在(zai)(zai)黃池與(yu)(yu)(yu)晉定(ding)公爭(zheng)作盟主(zhu)時,越(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)勾踐(jian)(jian)分兵兩(liang)路攻(gong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)。一(yi)部兵力(li)(li)自(zi)海入淮(huai),斷(duan)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)主(zhu)力(li)(li)回援之(zhi)路,掩護(hu)主(zhu)力(li)(li)作戰(zhan);其自(zi)率主(zhu)力(li)(li)直趨(qu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)都(dou),在(zai)(zai)郊(jiao)區泓水(shui)殲滅迎(ying)(ying)戰(zhan)之(zhi)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun),并乘勢攻(gong)入吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)都(dou)。夫(fu)差南(nan)歸,恐因(yin)國(guo)都(dou)失守(shou)士氣下降及遠程奔返造成部隊(dui)疲憊、決(jue)戰(zhan)不利,派人請和(he)。勾踐(jian)(jian)亦以(yi)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)主(zhu)力(li)(li)未(wei)損,不愿(yuan)進(jin)(jin)行無(wu)把握(wo)的決(jue)戰(zhan),遂(sui)與(yu)(yu)(yu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)訂和(he)約(yue)后撤軍(jun)。四十二年,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)發(fa)生災荒。越(yue)(yue)(yue)乘機發(fa)動進(jin)(jin)攻(gong),與(yu)(yu)(yu)迎(ying)(ying)戰(zhan)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)在(zai)(zai)笠(li)澤(ze)(在(zai)(zai)今江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)蘇吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)一(yi)帶)隔江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)相峙。越(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)利用(yong)夜(ye)暗(an),以(yi)兩(liang)翼佯渡(du)誘使吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)分兵,然后集中精銳,實施敵前潛渡(du)、中間(jian)突破,并連續進(jin)(jin)攻(gong),擴大戰(zhan)果,創造了中國(guo)戰(zhan)爭(zheng)史上(shang)較早的河(he)川進(jin)(jin)攻(gong)的成功戰(zhan)例(li)(參見笠(li)澤(ze)之(zhi)戰(zhan))。笠(li)澤(ze)之(zhi)戰(zhan)后,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、越(yue)(yue)(yue)力(li)(li)量(liang)對比發(fa)生了根本變化,越(yue)(yue)(yue)已占有(you)絕對優勢。周元(yuan)(yuan)王(wang)(wang)元(yuan)(yuan)年(前475年),越(yue)(yue)(yue)再度攻(gong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)無(wu)力(li)(li)迎(ying)(ying)戰(zhan),據都(dou)城(cheng)防守(shou)。越(yue)(yue)(yue)于(yu)(yu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)都(dou)西南(nan)郊(jiao)筑城(cheng),謀長期圍困。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)八次遣使請和(he),均遭越(yue)(yue)(yue)拒絕。三年,城(cheng)破,夫(fu)差自(zi)殺,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)亡(參見《越(yue)(yue)(yue)滅吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)之(zhi)戰(zhan)》條)。勾踐(jian)(jian)率軍(jun)“北渡(du)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)淮(huai),與(yu)(yu)(yu)齊、晉諸侯(hou)會于(yu)(yu)徐州”。周元(yuan)(yuan)王(wang)(wang)封勾踐(jian)(jian)為(wei)伯。“越(yue)(yue)(yue)兵橫(heng)行于(yu)(yu)江(jiang)(jiang)(jiang)淮(huai)東,諸侯(hou)畢賀,號(hao)稱(cheng)霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)”(《史記(ji)·越(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)勾踐(jian)(jian)世家》),越(yue)(yue)(yue)終于(yu)(yu)成為(wei)春秋時期的最(zui)后一(yi)任霸(ba)主(zhu)。
此戰(zhan),吳王夫差不聽(ting)伍員之(zhi)言(yan)(yan),養虎為(wei)(wei)患,終遭滅國。而越王勾踐則臥薪(xin)嘗(chang)膽(dan),養精(jing)蓄銳,并聽(ting)取謀臣文種、范蠡之(zhi)言(yan)(yan),主要(yao)靠謀略(lve)(lve)制勝;親齊、結晉、聯楚的(de)外交(jiao)策(ce)略(lve)(lve),在戰(zhan)爭(zheng)中發(fa)揮了重要(yao)作(zuo)用。這(zhe)說(shuo)明春秋末期的(de)戰(zhan)爭(zheng),已發(fa)展為(wei)(wei)智(zhi)戰(zhan)。當時(shi)人即認為(wei)(wei)“夫戰(zhan),智(zhi)為(wei)(wei)始,仁次之(zhi),勇次之(zhi)。”(《國語·吳語》記(ji)楚將申包胥言(yan)(yan))戰(zhan)爭(zheng)中還(huan)出(chu)現了早期入(ru)海遠(yuan)航作(zuo)戰(zhan)及(ji)河川進攻等新(xin)的(de)作(zuo)戰(zhan)方法。
大國爭霸
大國(guo)(guo)(guo)爭霸(ba)是春秋時代的(de)顯(xian)著特征。在齊桓公(gong)首霸(ba)之后,晉、楚兩國(guo)(guo)(guo)相繼而起,逐鹿中(zhong)原,爭當盟主,但終(zhong)因旗(qi)鼓相當,勢均(jun)力敵,在春秋中(zhong)葉以后,出現并霸(ba)的(de)局面(mian)。在這樣的(de)形勢下,晉景公(gong)采納(na)申公(gong)巫臣的(de)意(yi)見,開始聯合吳國(guo)(guo)(guo),企(qi)圖利用吳國(guo)(guo)(guo)牽制楚國(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)右翼(yi),使楚國(guo)(guo)(guo)不能騰(teng)出手來招駕晉國(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)攻勢,從而謀(mou)利。
爭霸過程
吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)偏(pian)(pian)居東(dong)(dong)南(nan)沿海地(di)區,與(yu)越國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)為(wei)鄰,有斷(duan)發文(wen)身之(zhi)俗。據(ju)《吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)越春秋》記(ji)載,當時(shi)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)“險阻潤濕,又有江(jiang)海之(zhi)害,君無(wu)守(shou)御(yu),民(min)無(wu)所依(yi),倉庫不(bu)設,田疇(chou)不(bu)墾。”嚴格地(di)說(shuo),它還不(bu)能算(suan)是一(yi)個(ge)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家,只是一(yi)個(ge)部落群體(ti)。在(zai)中(zhong)(zhong)原列國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)眼里,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)是一(yi)個(ge)經濟、文(wen)化十分落后(hou)(hou)的(de)(de)蠻(man)夷之(zhi)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。公(gong)元(yuan)前五(wu)八(ba)四年(nian),晉景公(gong)派申公(gong)巫臣(chen)到吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)傳授車戰射御(yu)的(de)(de)技(ji)術,并唆使(shi)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)背(bei)叛(pan)楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。于(yu)是吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)不(bu)斷(duan)侵伐楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),又攻(gong)打(da)(da)巢、徐等吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)之(zhi)間的(de)(de)小(xiao)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),弄得楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)忙于(yu)應戰,疲于(yu)奔命。在(zai)晉國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)扶植下(xia),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)事(shi)力量(liang)發展(zhan)得很快,國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)土(tu)日益擴展(zhan),聲望(wang)日益提高。中(zhong)(zhong)原諸侯國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家和吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)開始建(jian)(jian)立(li)了(le)(le)(le)(le)聯系。公(gong)元(yuan)前五(wu)二(er)二(er)年(nian),伍子(zi)胥從楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)逃到吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),做(zuo)了(le)(le)(le)(le)相國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。他教給(gei)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)闔閭“立(li)城郭,設守(shou)備(bei)、實倉廩,治(zhi)府庫”等“安君治(zhi)民(min),興(xing)霸成王(wang)”之(zhi)道(dao)(《吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)越春秋》),使(shi)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)由(you)極為(wei)落后(hou)(hou)的(de)(de)蠻(man)夷之(zhi)邦,一(yi)躍而(er)成為(wei)軍(jun)(jun)事(shi)強國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。公(gong)元(yuan)五(wu)○六年(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)闔閭以(yi)孫武為(wei)大(da)將伍子(zi)胥為(wei)副(fu)將,聯合蔡、唐(tang)兩(liang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)興(xing)師伐楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)。孫武是杰出的(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)事(shi)家,為(wei)了(le)(le)(le)(le)切(qie)斷(duan)楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)本部與(yu)方(fang)(fang)城之(zhi)外(wai)的(de)(de)聯系,他采(cai)(cai)取(qu)中(zhong)(zhong)間突破的(de)(de)戰略,率領(ling)(ling)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)從淮河(he)流(liu)域西(xi)進(jin),至淮汭舍舟登陸,翻越大(da)別(bie)山(shan),與(yu)此同時(shi),唐(tang)軍(jun)(jun)東(dong)(dong)進(jin)襲取(qu)大(da)隧、直(zhi)轅、冥厄三(san)隘(在(zai)今(jin)(jin)武勝關一(yi)帶),蔡軍(jun)(jun)循(xun)汝水至淮河(he)、南(nan)下(xia)直(zhi)取(qu)訾(zi)梁(在(zai)今(jin)(jin)固始縣)。這(zhe)兩(liang)支偏(pian)(pian)師堵住(zhu)了(le)(le)(le)(le)楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)軍(jun)(jun)北(bei)上中(zhong)(zhong)原,東(dong)(dong)通(tong)齊、魯的(de)(de)要道(dao),從側翼牽(qian)制住(zhu)楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)軍(jun)(jun),使(shi)楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)軍(jun)(jun)不(bu)敢正(zheng)面迎擊吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun),而(er)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)卻乘(cheng)(cheng)機掃蕩楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)東(dong)(dong)境沿途的(de)(de)城鎮,從容西(xi)進(jin),跟蔡、唐(tang)兩(liang)路軍(jun)(jun)隊會師,將楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)攔腰截為(wei)兩(liang)段,隔漢(han)水同楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)軍(jun)(jun)對峙。楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)司(si)馬(ma)(ma)沈(shen)系戍發現(xian)(xian)問題的(de)(de)嚴重性,向令尹子(zi)常(chang)建(jian)(jian)議(yi):“請令尹封鎖漢(han)水,自己以(yi)方(fang)(fang)城外(wai)人毀掉吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)舍棄(qi)的(de)(de)舟船,回過頭(tou)來封住(zhu)大(da)隧、直(zhi)轅、冥厄三(san)隘,然(ran)后(hou)(hou)夾擊吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun),一(yi)定能勝利(li)。”令尹子(zi)常(chang)接受了(le)(le)(le)(le)這(zhe)個(ge)建(jian)(jian)議(yi)。可惜(xi),當他聽楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)大(da)夫史皇說(shuo):“現(xian)(xian)在(zai)楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)人都怨(yuan)惡(e)令尹,喜歡司(si)馬(ma)(ma),假使(shi)采(cai)(cai)取(qu)司(si)馬(ma)(ma)的(de)(de)建(jian)(jian)議(yi),那么戰勝吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)功績就全歸司(si)馬(ma)(ma)了(le)(le)(le)(le)。”就斷(duan)然(ran)改(gai)變主(zhu)意(yi),輕率地(di)領(ling)(ling)兵渡漢(han)水,與(yu)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)對陣于(yu)柏舉(今(jin)(jin)湖(hu)水麻(ma)城),結果一(yi)敗涂地(di)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)乘(cheng)(cheng)勝窮追猛打(da)(da),五(wu)戰五(wu)勝,攻(gong)古了(le)(le)(le)(le)楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)郢都。
楚(chu)國(guo)的慘敗有(you)內(nei)外兩(liang)方面(mian)原因。
外因
晉、吳聯合力量(liang)超過楚國;
內因
楚國政治腐敗。
而(er)起決定作用的(de)(de)(de)是內因。楚(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)(de)政治(zhi)腐敗(bai)突出(chu)表現于用人(ren)問題上。楚(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)出(chu)人(ren)才(cai),可楚(chu)(chu)(chu)平王(wang)(wang)專信奸邪,加害賢良(liang),后來楚(chu)(chu)(chu)昭(zhao)王(wang)(wang)上臺,也(ye)胸無大志,只勉強(qiang)立國(guo)(guo)(guo),致(zhi)使大批人(ren)才(cai)有的(de)(de)(de)消(xiao)沉,有的(de)(de)(de)流走(zou)。象(xiang)范蠡,出(chu)身于布衣之家,有匡世奇才(cai),而(er)“時(shi)人(ren)盡(jin)以為狂(kuang)”(《越(yue)(yue)絕書(shu)》)。他琢磨,楚(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)不用,自(zi)己不能直接報效于父母之邦(bang),不如東去助越(yue)(yue),以越(yue)(yue)制(zhi)吳,消(xiao)除楚(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)東顧(gu)之憂,將全(quan)部的(de)(de)(de)才(cai)智(zhi)曲折地貢獻(xian)給生養自(zi)己的(de)(de)(de)故國(guo)(guo)(guo)。于是,他邀好友文種(zhong)一(yi)起告別了家鄉,踏(ta)上東去越(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)(de)道路。
越國
越(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)是古(gu)代越(yue)(yue)(yue)族建立的(de)(de)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)(jia)。傳說(shuo)其先(xian)祖乃大禹的(de)(de)后裔(yi),被封于會稽(ji)(今浙江(jiang)紹興),“文身斷發(fa),被草萊而(er)邑”(《史記(ji)·越(yue)(yue)(yue)王勾踐世家(jia)(jia)》),歷二十余世而(er)至允常(chang)。公元(yuan)前五一○年,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)王闔(he)閭(lv)(lv)攻(gong)越(yue)(yue)(yue),正是允常(chang)在(zai)位時(shi)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)王闔(he)閭(lv)(lv)攻(gong)占郢都后,慶功(gong)作樂,流連忘返,國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)內(nei)很空虛。越(yue)(yue)(yue)王允常(chang)乘機襲吳(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)王闔(he)閭(lv)(lv)之弟(di)夫(fu)概也(ye)悄悄溜(liu)回吳(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),自立為(wei)(wei)王。恰巧(qiao)這時(shi),楚(chu)大夫(fu)申包(bao)胥哭秦庭(ting)七(qi)日(ri),求來救兵,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)王闔(he)閭(lv)(lv)被迫跟楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)講和,匆忙回師,趕跑夫(fu)概,保住(zhu)王位,而(er)楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)也(ye)僥幸復活。楚(chu)昭王接受了痛(tong)苦的(de)(de)教訓,開(kai)始勵精圖治。為(wei)(wei)了解除吳(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)對楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)威脅,他采(cai)取(qu)聯越(yue)(yue)(yue)制吳(wu)(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)策略(lve)。
吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)闔(he)閭決心(xin)(xin)(xin)打敗(bai)(bai)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。公元(yuan)(yuan)前(qian)四(si)九六(liu)(liu)年(nian)(nian)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)允常死(si),其(qi)子勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)繼位。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)起兵(bing)攻(gong)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)兩(liang)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)戰(zhan)(zhan)于檇(zui)李(li)(今(jin)浙江(jiang)嘉(jia)興南(nan))。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)陣列(lie)整(zheng)齊嚴肅(su),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)派(pai)敢死(si)隊(dui)(dui)沖鋒失敗(bai)(bai),就改用罪人在(zai)陣前(qian)集(ji)體(ti)自(zi)殺(sha),吸引吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)的(de)(de)(de)注意力,然后(hou)空襲吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)將靈姑(gu)浮揮戈刺(ci)傷(shang)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)闔(he)閭,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)敗(bai)(bai)退,闔(he)閭死(si)于途(tu)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),其(qi)子夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)繼位。夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)將闔(he)閭葬于虎(hu)丘(qiu)。夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)派(pai)專人侍立宮門,每逢(feng)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)出(chu)入,便發問(wen):“夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)殺(sha)害你父(fu)親(qin)的(de)(de)(de)仇恨你忘掉(diao)(diao)(diao)了嗎?”夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)則(ze)回答(da):“不(bu)(bu)敢忘,不(bu)(bu)敢忘!”過(guo)了兩(liang)年(nian)(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)出(chu)動精兵(bing)攻(gong)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)椒(古山(shan)名,在(zai)今(jin)江(jiang)蘇吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)縣西南(nan)太湖中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong))一(yi)(yi)戰(zhan)(zhan),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)大(da)敗(bai)(bai)。越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)僅剩五千(qian)人,被吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)包圍(wei)于會(hui)稽山(shan)。文(wen)仲(zhong)、范蠡(li)說服勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)忍辱圖存,厚賂吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)的(de)(de)(de)寵臣(chen)伯(bo)(bo)嚭(pi),向吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)求(qiu)(qiu)(qiu)和。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)相(xiang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)伍子胥(xu)表示(shi)反對(dui)(dui),他舉夏代少(shao)康(kang)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)興的(de)(de)(de)故事(shi),勸告吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang),消滅(mie)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),以(yi)絕后(hou)患。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)太宰伯(bo)(bo)嚭(pi)既(ji)貪圖越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)的(de)(de)(de)財(cai)貨,又嫉妒相(xiang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)伍子胥(xu)的(de)(de)(de)功勞(lao)(lao),極力慫恿吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)答(da)應(ying)(ying)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)(de)請求(qiu)(qiu)(qiu)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)終于允許求(qiu)(qiu)(qiu)和,但條件是(shi)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)必須(xu)臣(chen)服于吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),并要勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)到(dao)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)為(wei)(wei)奴三年(nian)(nian)。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)帶范蠡(li)來到(dao)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)當馬夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)。每天(tian)早上喂馬擦車,以(yi)備(bei)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)田獵,游玩;晚上棲身(shen)于石屋,守在(zai)闔(he)閭的(de)(de)(de)墳旁,期待(dai)三年(nian)(nian)一(yi)(yi)過(guo),重(zhong)返(fan)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),最(zui)使勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)君臣(chen)提心(xin)(xin)(xin)吊膽的(de)(de)(de)伍子胥(xu),他常常勸吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)殺(sha)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)。因此(ci),勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)必須(xu)裝出(chu)萬分(fen)忠(zhong)于吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)的(de)(de)(de)表現,而且不(bu)(bu)能讓吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)發覺半點矯飾做作。范蠡(li)為(wei)(wei)此(ci)煞費苦心(xin)(xin)(xin),他聽到(dao)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)病了,就動員(yuan)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)為(wei)(wei)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)嘗溲辨疾,以(yi)感動他。這(zhe)招果(guo)然靈驗,夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)誤(wu)以(yi)為(wei)(wei)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)確實屈服了,便如(ru)(ru)期放他回國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)回國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)后(hou),身(shen)邊總放著一(yi)(yi)個苦膽,坐臥飲食不(bu)(bu)忘先(xian)嘗苦膽,借(jie)以(yi)牢記會(hui)稽之辱。范蠡(li)為(wei)(wei)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)制定一(yi)(yi)套保民(min)、富(fu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)、強兵(bing)的(de)(de)(de)方針。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)親(qin)自(zi)耕(geng)田,夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)人親(qin)自(zi)織布,食不(bu)(bu)加肉(rou),衣不(bu)(bu)重(zhong)彩,禮(li)賢下(xia)(xia)士(shi),賑貧(pin)恤死(si),深(shen)得民(min)心(xin)(xin)(xin),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)很快富(fu)起來。相(xiang)反,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)因勝利而驕傲自(zi)滿,腐(fu)化墮(duo)落,偏(pian)信奸佞術宰伯(bo)(bo)嚭(pi),殺(sha)害忠(zhong)誠的(de)(de)(de)相(xiang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)子胥(xu),政(zheng)治日趨腐(fu)敗(bai)(bai)。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)看不(bu)(bu)到(dao)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)是(shi)自(zi)己的(de)(de)(de)心(xin)(xin)(xin)腹之患,一(yi)(yi)心(xin)(xin)(xin)想北上爭霸(ba)。公元(yuan)(yuan)前(qian)四(si)八(ba)年(nian)(nian),他乘齊景(jing)公新死(si)之機(ji),伐齊,在(zai)艾(ai)陵(ling)打敗(bai)(bai)齊軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)。公元(yuan)(yuan)前(qian)四(si)八(ba)二年(nian)(nian),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)通知中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)原諸(zhu)侯到(dao)黃池(chi)(今(jin)河(he)南(nan)封(feng)丘(qiu)縣西南(nan))開會(hui)。會(hui)上,吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、晉兩(liang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)爭當盟主(zhu),結果(guo)歃(sha)血時,先(xian)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)后(hou)晉,魯(lu)、邾等小(xiao)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)也(ye)分(fen)別“賦于吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)八(ba)百(bai)(bai)乘”和“六(liu)(liu)百(bai)(bai)乘”(《國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)語·楚(chu)語》)。黃池(chi)之會(hui)使吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)達到(dao)了北上稱霸(ba)的(de)(de)(de)目(mu)的(de)(de)(de),但也(ye)標志(zhi)著吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)霸(ba)業的(de)(de)(de)終結。 就在(zai)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)參加黃池(chi)之會(hui)的(de)(de)(de)時候(hou)。越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)率兵(bing)攻(gong)進吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)都,俘虜了太子友(you)。夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)聞訊后(hou),急忙從(cong)北方撤軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)回國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。但吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)長途(tu)跋涉,疲勞(lao)(lao)不(bu)(bu)堪,無(wu)法(fa)抵(di)抗越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)的(de)(de)(de)進攻(gong)。夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)只得派(pai)伯(bo)(bo)嚭(pi)攜帶豐厚的(de)(de)(de)禮(li)物去越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)求(qiu)(qiu)(qiu)和。越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)估量眼下(xia)(xia)還不(bu)(bu)能滅(mie)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),就答(da)應(ying)(ying)同(tong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)講和。公元(yuan)(yuan)前(qian)四(si)七八(ba)年(nian)(nian),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)再次攻(gong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。兩(liang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)隊(dui)(dui)在(zai)笠澤夾水(shui)對(dui)(dui)陣。夜里,越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)左右(you)兩(liang)小(xiao)隊(dui)(dui)兵(bing)卒或左或右(you),擊鼓吶喊(han),佯(yang)攻(gong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)兩(liang)翼。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)分(fen)兵(bing)防御,而越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)三軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)主(zhu)力暗(an)暗(an)涉水(shui),猛(meng)攻(gong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun),吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)大(da)敗(bai)(bai)。公元(yuan)(yuan)前(qian)四(si)七三年(nian)(nian),越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)第三次大(da)規模進攻(gong)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),將夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)包圍(wei)在(zai)姑(gu)蘇山(shan)上。吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)正派(pai)公孫雄肉(rou)袒膝行(xing),向越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)(wang)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)求(qiu)(qiu)(qiu)和。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)想答(da)應(ying)(ying),范蠡(li)說:“過(guo)去天(tian)意叫吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)滅(mie)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),可吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)偏(pian)偏(pian)不(bu)(bu)干;現在(zai)天(tian)意叫越(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)滅(mie)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),難道大(da)王(wang)(wang)要違(wei)背(bei)天(tian)意嗎?”吳(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)使聞聽淚如(ru)(ru)雨下(xia)(xia)。勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)遂說:“請夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)遷到(dao)甬江(jiang)以(yi)東(dong),讓他管理一(yi)(yi)百(bai)(bai)戶人家。”夫(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)(fu)差(cha)(cha)(cha)(cha)羞愧交集(ji),對(dui)(dui)勾(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)(gou)踐(jian)(jian)(jian)說:“我真(zhen)沒(mei)臉(lian)見子胥(xu)呀?”
這(zhe)時(shi),越(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)已成為地跨江、淮(huai)的東方大國(guo)。越(yue)(yue)(yue)王(wang)勾踐(jian)率領軍(jun)隊北渡淮(huai)河,在徐州(今山(shan)東滕州市(shi))與齊、宋、晉、魯(lu)等國(guo)諸(zhu)侯會盟。各國(guo)都聽越(yue)(yue)(yue)的號令(ling)。周元王(wang)正式派人(ren)賜給勾踐(jian)祭肉,命(ming)他為霸主。此(ci)后,勾踐(jian)為長(chang)期(qi)(qi)稱霸中原,遷都瑯琊(今山(shan)東諸(zhu)城市(shi))。直到戰國(guo)中期(qi)(qi),越(yue)(yue)(yue)國(guo)才被楚(chu)國(guo)打敗。