左(zuo)懋第(1601年-1645年),字(zi)仲(zhong)及(ji),號蘿(luo)石,山東萊陽(yang)人(ren)(ren)。大(da)明(ming)赴清(qing)(qing)談和使者,后被(bei)清(qing)(qing)朝扣押,寧死不降,后人(ren)(ren)稱(cheng)“明(ming)末(mo)文天(tian)(tian)祥”。明(ming)朝末(mo)年,國家(jia)內(nei)憂外患,危機四(si)伏,大(da)廈(sha)將傾(qing),萊陽(yang)進士(shi)左(zuo)懋第卻登上了(le)人(ren)(ren)生最壯美的舞臺。他(ta)治理韓城,政(zheng)績優異,考選(xuan)欽定(ding)第一,由知縣擢升朝中擔任要職,成(cheng)為威宗皇帝信任的股肱之臣(chen)。崇禎甲申(1644),清(qing)(qing)兵入(ru)關(guan),國難當頭,他(ta)挺身而出(chu),與(yu)清(qing)(qing)朝攝政(zheng)王(wang)多爾袞唇槍舌劍,堅決維護大(da)明(ming)尊嚴。面對酷刑和威逼利誘(you),他(ta)寧作大(da)明(ming)鬼(gui),不當清(qing)(qing)朝王(wang),成(cheng)為比(bi)肩(jian)文天(tian)(tian)祥的民族英雄(xiong)。
萊(lai)陽(yang)左(zuo)(zuo)氏,一世(shi)祖左(zuo)(zuo)原(yuan)。明永樂間自章丘(qiu)遷徙(xi)至(zhi)萊(lai)陽(yang)。左(zuo)(zuo)原(yuan)生左(zuo)(zuo)盛,左(zuo)(zuo)盛生左(zuo)(zuo)方,左(zuo)(zuo)方生文升,文升生奎、英、彥。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)祖父左(zuo)(zuo)奎,生之(zhi)(zhi)龍(long)、之(zhi)(zhi)藩、之(zhi)(zhi)禎。左(zuo)(zuo)之(zhi)(zhi)龍(long)(1550-1623),字(zi)用化,號云樓,萬歷(li)己卯(1579)舉人,歷(li)任河北(bei)房山、良鄉知縣,陜(shan)西西華知縣,延安(an)府同知,灤州知州,署北(bei)平太守,南(nan)京(jing)刑部廣(guang)東司員外郎、河南(nan)司郎中。誥授奉政大(da)夫(fu)、敕封光祿大(da)夫(fu)。繼配陳(chen)氏,寧海指揮(hui)僉(qian)事陳(chen)治安(an)長女,敕封夫(fu)人,生左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)、左(zuo)(zuo)之(zhi)(zhi)龍(long)墓地在(zai)萊(lai)陽(yang)市沐浴店鎮北(bei)旺村。
青年才俊少(shao)負大志
萬歷四十(shi)三年(nian)(nian)(1615),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)與堂(tang)兄(xiong)弟左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)泰、左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)芬、左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)桂、左(zuo)良輔等(deng)人(ren)參(can)加(jia)了(le)著名的文社山左(zuo)大社(復社分(fen)支)。據《萊陽(yang)(yang)(yang)縣志》記載,山左(zuo)大社91名成(cheng)員,萊陽(yang)(yang)(yang)人(ren)占了(le)十(shi)之六七。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)經常參(can)加(jia)交(jiao)游(you)聚(ju)會(hui),切(qie)磋學(xue)(xue)(xue)問(wen),評(ping)說時(shi)局,文名遠揚。左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)的父親(qin)在萊陽(yang)(yang)(yang)城(cheng)西郊建有“西墅(shu)草(cao)堂(tang)”,草(cao)堂(tang)中(zhong)有一(yi)處“浴(yu)月臺”,左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)經常與兄(xiong)弟和同學(xue)(xue)(xue)來(lai)此讀書,詩(shi)文唱和。母親(qin)陳氏,是寧海(hai)(hai)州(zhou)(今牟平)指揮僉事(shi)陳治安(an)之女,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)經常往來(lai)于萊陽(yang)(yang)(yang)、寧海(hai)(hai)之間。天啟(qi)二(er)年(nian)(nian)(1622),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)游(you)昆崳山煙霞洞,聽聞寧海(hai)(hai)州(zhou)張(zhang)(zhang)國俊將軍在平定白蓮教之亂(luan)中(zhong)戰死(si),年(nian)(nian)僅28歲,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)十(shi)分(fen)惋惜,作詩(shi)《挽張(zhang)(zhang)將軍》:“孰若海(hai)(hai)上張(zhang)(zhang)將軍,慷慨殺賊生(sheng)(sheng)絕?。……血漬(zi)寒沙英魂歸,風悲鬼(gui)嘯昏(hun)白晝。”天啟(qi)三年(nian)(nian)(1623),萊陽(yang)(yang)(yang)縣教諭朱?在縣學(xue)(xue)(xue)里(li)選拔(ba)左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)、張(zhang)(zhang)允掄等(deng)八位優秀學(xue)(xue)(xue)生(sheng)(sheng)加(jia)上自己(ji),組(zu)成(cheng)“九龍(long)社”,一(yi)起上課研討學(xue)(xue)(xue)問(wen),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)頗受器重(zhong),成(cheng)為“九龍(long)”中(zhong)的佼佼者(zhe)。后人(ren)評(ping)價他(ta):“為諸生(sheng)(sheng),即負(fu)海(hai)(hai)內(nei)盛名。為文高古雄奧,不(bu)可(ke)一(yi)世(shi)。”贊譽他(ta):“學(xue)(xue)(xue)富五車二(er)酉,文追東(dong)洛西京(jing)。”
左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)為人(ren)(ren)正(zheng)直,胸(xiong)懷大志(zhi)(zhi),青少年(nian)時即(ji)關注(zhu)國家命(ming)運。天啟六年(nian)(1626),權臣魏忠(zhong)(zhong)賢(xian)(xian)(xian)授意(yi)黨羽(yu)編編纂《三(san)(san)(san)朝會典》,借以誣陷打擊(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)東(dong)林(lin)黨人(ren)(ren)。左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)讀后不(bu)勝(sheng)憤(fen)(fen)恨,認為這(zhe)是“變(bian)亂是非(fei),顛倒賢(xian)(xian)(xian)佞(ning)。”手指纂修諸(zhu)人(ren)(ren)姓名(ming)(ming),說:“此皆(jie)邪佞(ning)之(zhi)人(ren)(ren)。”手擊(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)紙碎(sui)。當他得知(zhi)翰林(lin)院編修陳(chen)明卿(qing)先生(sheng)(sheng)因得罪魏忠(zhong)(zhong)賢(xian)(xian)(xian)而被削職(zhi)時,十分氣(qi)(qi)憤(fen)(fen),作(zuo)文予以抨(peng)擊(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji),抒(shu)發心中(zhong)不(bu)平。崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)二(er)年(nian)(1629),白蓮(lian)教教徒董大成(cheng)聚眾(zhong)五千人(ren)(ren)圍(wei)攻萊(lai)陽(yang)(yang)縣城。萊(lai)陽(yang)(yang)承平已久,人(ren)(ren)不(bu)識(shi)兵,形勢非(fei)常危急,縣衙(ya)只好組(zu)織城里的紳士、市(shi)民自(zi)衛(wei)(wei)。左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)自(zi)告奮勇(yong),登上(shang)城墻,開炮(pao)擊(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)賊,結果炮(pao)膛炸裂(lie),自(zi)己差(cha)點(dian)被炸死。左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)仍(reng)奮不(bu)顧身,簡單包扎后,再次舉炮(pao)轟擊(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)敵人(ren)(ren),并擊(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)中(zhong)敵人(ren)(ren)首領(ling)。董大成(cheng)見取勝(sheng)無(wu)望(wang),率眾(zhong)遁去(qu),后逃至(zhi)蒙陰被殺。左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)的英勇(yong)事跡傳遍(bian)膠東(dong)士林(lin),這(zhe)次戰斗也(ye)是他人(ren)(ren)生(sheng)(sheng)中(zhong)的一(yi)(yi)次重(zhong)要(yao)經歷(li)(li),對日后的仕途(tu)生(sheng)(sheng)涯產(chan)生(sheng)(sheng)了重(zhong)要(yao)影響。崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)三(san)(san)(san)年(nian)(1630),左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)鄉試考(kao)中(zhong)亞元(第(di)(di)(di)二(er)名(ming)(ming)),翌年(nian)聯(lian)捷成(cheng)進士。大詩人(ren)(ren)吳偉業、張溥也(ye)高中(zhong)進士。萊(lai)陽(yang)(yang)縣的姜?、沈迅(xun)則與(yu)左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)同榜,三(san)(san)(san)人(ren)(ren)志(zhi)(zhi)同道合,皆(jie)以志(zhi)(zhi)節留名(ming)(ming)史(shi)冊,成(cheng)為著(zhu)名(ming)(ming)的“明末萊(lai)陽(yang)(yang)三(san)(san)(san)君子(zi)”。其時左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)的叔(shu)父左之(zhi)武任(ren)(ren)登州衛(wei)(wei)鎮撫,姐(jie)夫孫承祖任(ren)(ren)登州衛(wei)(wei)游(you)擊(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)將軍。左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)與(yu)親友一(yi)(yi)起(qi)來到蓬萊(lai)游(you)珠璣(ji)崖,見大魚長(chang)約數丈,出沒濤中(zhong),乃乘興題詩石(shi)壁:“水撲青天濤卷雪,石(shi)峰片(pian)片(pian)皆(jie)奇絕。浮白狂(kuang)歌長(chang)吉詩,元氣(qi)(qi)茫(mang)(mang)茫(mang)(mang)收(shou)不(bu)得。”崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)五年(nian)(1632)八(ba)月,左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)授陜(shan)西韓城知(zhi)縣。韓城地處黃河之(zhi)濱(bin),歷(li)(li)來有(you)“秦中(zhong)最敝邑”之(zhi)稱(cheng),由于連(lian)年(nian)災(zai)害,流寇四起(qi),民不(bu)聊生(sheng)(sheng),這(zhe)對初(chu)出茅廬的左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)來說無(wu)疑是踏上(shang)仕途(tu)的第(di)(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)場嚴峻考(kao)驗。“郡縣治(zhi),天下安。”左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)熟讀史(shi)書和儒(ru)家經典,深知(zhi)自(zi)己擔負的責任(ren)(ren),面對艱(jian)難局(ju)面,沒有(you)退縮,決(jue)心有(you)所作(zuo)為。他在給恩(en)師(shi)陳(chen)明卿(qing)的信(xin)中(zhong)說:“聞命(ming)之(zhi)初(chu),恐(kong)愧戰栗,知(zhi)不(bu)勝(sheng)任(ren)(ren),嚴訓之(zhi)下,不(bu)敢重(zhong)違,勉為之(zhi)。”十月,左懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)與(yu)母親一(yi)(yi)起(qi)來到韓城,開始了十三(san)(san)(san)年(nian)的仕宦生(sheng)(sheng)涯。
1、韓城保衛戰
抗(kang)敵(di)(di)御寇(kou),保障一(yi)(yi)(yi)方(fang)平安,維護群眾正常的(de)(de)(de)生(sheng)活(huo)生(sheng)產秩序。崇(chong)(chong)禎初年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),農(nong)(nong)民(min)起(qi)義(yi)風(feng)起(qi)云涌,土(tu)匪盜賊(zei)四(si)起(qi),韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)尤其(qi)猖獗。崇(chong)(chong)禎五年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1632)十(shi)(shi)月(yue)(yue)(yue),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)剛(gang)到韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),原任知(zhi)縣外(wai)出未(wei)歸,尚(shang)未(wei)正式交接公(gong)務,就遇(yu)上流(liu)寇(kou)侵(qin)擾,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)隨即(ji)下令各鄉收斂糧畜,堅(jian)壁清野,接著征兵、調(diao)餉、防河(he)、守(shou)(shou)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),成功地(di)(di)擊退了敵(di)(di)人(ren)。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)西(xi)北山(shan)中(zhong)乃流(liu)賊(zei)舊巢,殘余(yu)(yu)五七百人(ren)盤踞山(shan)中(zhong),時常出山(shan)搶掠,農(nong)(nong)民(min)不(bu)敢上山(shan)耕種(zhong)土(tu)地(di)(di),附近百姓(xing)也無法(fa)安生(sheng)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)憤然曰:“無農(nong)(nong),民(min)胡以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)為命?寇(kou)不(bu)清,民(min)又安得(de)而農(nong)(nong)耶?”于(yu)(yu)(yu)是(shi),招募十(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)路民(min)兵,親(qin)(qin)自指揮(hui),清剿山(shan)中(zhong)流(liu)賊(zei)余(yu)(yu)孽,部分(fen)逃往山(shan)西(xi),相戒以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)后“毋入韓(han)(han)(han)(han)境”。對于(yu)(yu)(yu)抓獲(huo)的(de)(de)(de)三四(si)十(shi)(shi)人(ren),則令其(qi)回家種(zhong)田。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)下車伊始,果斷出手,指揮(hui)有方(fang),得(de)到韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)士(shi)(shi)紳(shen)百姓(xing)的(de)(de)(de)贊許。崇(chong)(chong)禎六(liu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1633)十(shi)(shi)二(er)月(yue)(yue)(yue),流(liu)寇(kou)千余(yu)(yu)人(ren)西(xi)渡黃(huang)河(he)侵(qin)襲韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。這一(yi)(yi)(yi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)夏無雨冬無雪(xue),遭(zao)遇(yu)嚴(yan)重干(gan)(gan)旱。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)(yi)邊(bian)組織抗(kang)旱救災,一(yi)(yi)(yi)邊(bian)戎裝上陣,親(qin)(qin)自督兵進(jin)山(shan)五十(shi)(shi)里(li)追剿,指揮(hui)士(shi)(shi)兵于(yu)(yu)(yu)河(he)上作戰(zhan),取得(de)勝利。崇(chong)(chong)禎七年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1634)二(er)、三月(yue)(yue)(yue),流(liu)寇(kou)再入韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。干(gan)(gan)旱導致莊稼絕收,韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)發生(sheng)饑(ji)荒。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)想方(fang)設法(fa)賑濟災民(min)的(de)(de)(de)同時,組織協調(diao)軍隊御敵(di)(di),敵(di)(di)退,乘勝追擊120里(li)而還(huan)。崇(chong)(chong)禎八年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1635),農(nong)(nong)民(min)起(qi)義(yi)愈演愈烈(lie),七月(yue)(yue)(yue)、十(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)月(yue)(yue)(yue)兩次侵(qin)擾韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)全線告急(ji)。特(te)別是(shi)十(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)月(yue)(yue)(yue)至次年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)正月(yue)(yue)(yue)的(de)(de)(de)40多(duo)天里(li),民(min)軍、流(liu)寇(kou)數萬人(ren)圍困縣城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),日(ri)夜吶(na)喊攻殺(sha),戰(zhan)斗(dou)十(shi)(shi)分(fen)激(ji)烈(lie),形勢岌岌可(ke)危。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)每日(ri)與(yu)守(shou)(shou)軍將領(ling)研究戰(zhan)斗(dou)方(fang)案(an),“以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)火器擊之,以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)步兵接戰(zhan),于(yu)(yu)(yu)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)外(wai)筑攔馬(ma)墻(qiang),城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)內筑敵(di)(di)臺,伏義(yi)兵,設火炮,賊(zei)不(bu)能(neng)攻,意在坐(zuo)困。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)會商士(shi)(shi)紳(shen)相約(yue)分(fen)守(shou)(shou)四(si)門,親(qin)(qin)自巡查城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)防,調(diao)度部署。西(xi)門最(zui)為緊(jin)要,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)夜宿其(qi)上,意氣風(feng)發,閱讀兵書,指揮(hui)若定。戰(zhan)斗(dou)閑暇“從容賦詩不(bu)少休,見者以(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)為神人(ren)。”最(zui)后“賊(zei)不(bu)能(neng)入,前后共(gong)攻四(si)十(shi)(shi)余(yu)(yu)日(ri)方(fang)引去(qu)。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)(di)知(zhi)人(ren)善任,身先士(shi)(shi)卒,枕(zhen)戈(ge)待旦40余(yu)(yu)日(ri),贏得(de)了韓(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)保衛戰(zhan)的(de)(de)(de)勝利。
2、韓城為官,愛(ai)民恤民
左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)雖為(wei)(wei)(wei)一(yi)(yi)(yi)介書生,但對(dui)(dui)用兵之(zhi)(zhi)法(fa)卻有(you)(you)一(yi)(yi)(yi)番獨到(dao)(dao)(dao)見(jian)解。崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)四(si)年(nian)(nian)(1631)冬,膠東發(fa)(fa)生登(deng)萊事變,明(ming)將(jiang)(jiang)孔有(you)(you)德(de)等(deng)攻陷(xian)登(deng)州(zhou),登(deng)州(zhou)衛總兵張(zhang)扶輿(yu)自(zi)(zi)殺殉難(nan)。第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)二(er)年(nian)(nian)左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)得(de)(de)(de)知好友殉難(nan),哀傷(shang)之(zhi)(zhi)余(yu)(yu),為(wei)(wei)(wei)其(qi)(qi)(qi)《陣(zhen)圖》一(yi)(yi)(yi)書作(zuo)序,說到(dao)(dao)(dao):“余(yu)(yu)書生不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)知兵,然(ran)(ran)竊見(jian)其(qi)(qi)(qi)條理錯綜,可(ke)教民(min)(min)(min)猛果克戰(zhan)斗。民(min)(min)(min)之(zhi)(zhi)猛果生,于(yu)(yu)(yu)將(jiang)(jiang)可(ke)恃,而(er)將(jiang)(jiang)之(zhi)(zhi)自(zi)(zi)恃,惟用兵有(you)(you)法(fa)。”明(ming)末清初(chu)學(xue)(xue)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)屈大(da)(da)均則(ze)評(ping)價左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di):“初(chu)知韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)縣(xian)(xian),流(liu)寇三(san)(san)(san)薄韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),再躪其(qi)(qi)(qi)境,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)率(lv)士民(min)(min)(min)而(er)戰(zhan),身(shen)當鋒,輒(zhe)大(da)(da)破走之(zhi)(zhi)。關(guan)中保(bao)障,推懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)(yi)。”左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)憑借忠勇謀略(lve),力(li)保(bao)一(yi)(yi)(yi)方平(ping)安(an)(an),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)僅地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)方紳(shen)(shen)民(min)(min)(min)稱贊,省府政要、封(feng)疆(jiang)大(da)(da)吏(li)也對(dui)(dui)他(ta)(ta)刮目(mu)相(xiang)看。全(quan)力(li)救災(zai)(zai),拯救饑民(min)(min)(min),化解社會危機。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)初(chu)到(dao)(dao)(dao)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),忙于(yu)(yu)(yu)剿(jiao)匪御寇,幾(ji)乎無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)寧日。同時,嚴(yan)(yan)重(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)災(zai)(zai)荒(huang)(huang)也給(gei)這位(wei)初(chu)來乍到(dao)(dao)(dao)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)青年(nian)(nian)縣(xian)(xian)令嚴(yan)(yan)峻考(kao)驗。崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)五年(nian)(nian)(1632)“冬無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)雪,春田遲,遂無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)麥。夏又雨少(shao),秋霜早(zao),殺谷無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)禾。”六年(nian)(nian)(1633),“冬又無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)雪,麥子不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)入地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)”,七年(nian)(nian)(1634),“春又不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)雨,地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)皆(jie)焦土。”連(lian)續三(san)(san)(san)年(nian)(nian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)旱災(zai)(zai)使(shi)全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)陷(xian)入饑荒(huang)(huang),許(xu)多(duo)人(ren)(ren)被餓死(si)。百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)從(cong)(cong)吃(chi)草根(gen)刮樹(shu)皮,發(fa)(fa)展到(dao)(dao)(dao)賣妻鬻子,刮死(si)人(ren)(ren)肉而(er)食。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)這位(wei)善良正直的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)封(feng)建(jian)縣(xian)(xian)令目(mu)睹慘狀,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)禁潸然(ran)(ran)淚下。他(ta)(ta)一(yi)(yi)(yi)邊把觸(chu)目(mu)驚(jing)心(xin)(xin)(xin)(xin)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)災(zai)(zai)情向(xiang)上(shang)級如(ru)實報(bao)告(gao),請(qing)求賑(zhen)(zhen)濟,一(yi)(yi)(yi)邊想方設法(fa)、竭盡全(quan)力(li)在(zai)(zai)全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)范(fan)圍(wei)內(nei)組織救災(zai)(zai)。崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)六年(nian)(nian)(1633)年(nian)(nian)底,左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)倡導“捐俸(feng)勸賑(zhen)(zhen)法(fa)”,帶頭捐俸(feng)銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin)50兩,發(fa)(fa)動官(guan)紳(shen)(shen)和其(qi)(qi)(qi)他(ta)(ta)富(fu)有(you)(you)而(er)好義者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)捐銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin)賑(zhen)(zhen)濟饑民(min)(min)(min),共(gong)得(de)(de)(de)銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin)250兩。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)親自(zi)(zi)下鄉排(pai)查(cha),查(cha)出(chu)餓得(de)(de)(de)奄(yan)奄(yan)一(yi)(yi)(yi)息(xi)(xi)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)3529人(ren)(ren)作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)(wei)重(zhong)點救助對(dui)(dui)象(xiang),全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)分(fen)八個(ge)救濟點進行(xing)救助。崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)七年(nian)(nian)(1634)春,災(zai)(zai)情加重(zhong),饑民(min)(min)(min)越來越多(duo)。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)實行(xing)“各里(li)(li)(li)賑(zhen)(zhen)各里(li)(li)(li)法(fa)”,饑民(min)(min)(min)由各里(li)(li)(li)鄉紳(shen)(shen)和有(you)(you)威望(wang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)耆老(lao)核定,查(cha)出(chu)急(ji)需救濟者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)5200人(ren)(ren),由各里(li)(li)(li)耆老(lao)主持救濟。又查(cha)得(de)(de)(de)里(li)(li)(li)甲(jia)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)收(shou)和流(liu)浪(lang)街頭者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)311人(ren)(ren),在(zai)(zai)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)北門外設粥(zhou)廠賑(zhen)(zhen)濟。同時,左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)把全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)饑民(min)(min)(min)按(an)照(zhao)“極貧(pin)、次(ci)(ci)(ci)貧(pin)、又次(ci)(ci)(ci)貧(pin)”分(fen)為(wei)(wei)(wei)三(san)(san)(san)類,共(gong)計14000多(duo)人(ren)(ren),造冊上(shang)報(bao),得(de)(de)(de)到(dao)(dao)(dao)朝廷賑(zhen)(zhen)銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin)1437兩。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)區別災(zai)(zai)民(min)(min)(min)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)同情況(kuang)發(fa)(fa)放(fang)賑(zhen)(zhen)銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin),還(huan)對(dui)(dui)貧(pin)困的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)讀書人(ren)(ren)給(gei)予(yu)特(te)別照(zhao)顧,極貧(pin)生18名(ming),每(mei)人(ren)(ren)給(gei)銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin)二(er)錢(qian),次(ci)(ci)(ci)貧(pin)生29名(ming),每(mei)人(ren)(ren)給(gei)銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin)一(yi)(yi)(yi)錢(qian)五分(fen),盡力(li)使(shi)學(xue)(xue)子們不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)因貧(pin)困輟學(xue)(xue)。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)嚴(yan)(yan)重(zhong)缺糧(liang)(liang),百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)數(shu)(shu)米(mi)而(er)炊,為(wei)(wei)(wei)防(fang)止(zhi)市場糧(liang)(liang)價暴(bao)漲(zhang),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)自(zi)(zi)己(ji)捐俸(feng)買粟(su)100石,又發(fa)(fa)動其(qi)(qi)(qi)他(ta)(ta)官(guan)紳(shen)(shen)捐粟(su)2000石,設置“常平(ping)倉(cang)”,在(zai)(zai)全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)實行(xing)“平(ping)準法(fa)”,平(ping)抑糧(liang)(liang)價,規定“私糶者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)禁,必至于(yu)(yu)(yu)市。”使(shi)災(zai)(zai)民(min)(min)(min)拿到(dao)(dao)(dao)賑(zhen)(zhen)銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin)后(hou)能(neng)夠買到(dao)(dao)(dao)糧(liang)(liang)食。由于(yu)(yu)(yu)左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)賑(zhen)(zhen)災(zai)(zai)得(de)(de)(de)法(fa),措施可(ke)行(xing),全(quan)活(huo)(huo)(huo)數(shu)(shu)萬人(ren)(ren),大(da)(da)大(da)(da)減少(shao)了(le)(le)死(si)亡(wang)和流(liu)亡(wang)人(ren)(ren)數(shu)(shu),韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)十(shi)分(fen)感念他(ta)(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)功德(de)。愛(ai)民(min)(min)(min)恤民(min)(min)(min),為(wei)(wei)(wei)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)減免賦(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),減輕百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)負擔(dan)。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)連(lian)年(nian)(nian)災(zai)(zai)害,饑荒(huang)(huang)嚴(yan)(yan)重(zhong),但百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)卻仍(reng)然(ran)(ran)負擔(dan)沉重(zhong),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)下決(jue)心(xin)(xin)(xin)(xin)改變現狀,給(gei)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)一(yi)(yi)(yi)條活(huo)(huo)(huo)路。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)“戶口(kou)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)啻以十(shi)余(yu)(yu)萬計,而(er)富(fu)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)過十(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)二(er)、三(san)(san)(san),其(qi)(qi)(qi)余(yu)(yu)皆(jie)饑民(min)(min)(min)矣。”而(er)且“賊(zei)殘之(zhi)(zhi)后(hou),民(min)(min)(min)散(san)其(qi)(qi)(qi)半,地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)荒(huang)(huang)其(qi)(qi)(qi)七。”饑民(min)(min)(min)連(lian)飯都吃(chi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)上(shang),拿什么交稅(shui)(shui)(shui)?因此全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)拖欠(qian)嚴(yan)(yan)重(zhong),“(崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen))四(si)、五年(nian)(nian)拖欠(qian)至五千兩,而(er)六年(nian)(nian)未完(wan)(wan),將(jiang)(jiang)浮(fu)于(yu)(yu)(yu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)萬兩。”左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)毅然(ran)(ran)多(duo)次(ci)(ci)(ci)上(shang)書,請(qing)求將(jiang)(jiang)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)歷年(nian)(nian)拖欠(qian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)全(quan)部蠲免,并暫緩征(zheng)收(shou)新(xin)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),給(gei)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)休養(yang)生息(xi)(xi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)機會。為(wei)(wei)(wei)國家(jia)征(zheng)收(shou)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)本(ben)是(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)封(feng)建(jian)縣(xian)(xian)令最(zui)基(ji)本(ben)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)職責(ze),考(kao)核升遷(qian)全(quan)賴于(yu)(yu)(yu)此。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)卻不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)忍心(xin)(xin)(xin)(xin)為(wei)(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)自(zi)(zi)己(ji)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)功名(ming)利(li)祿而(er)向(xiang)“無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)居、無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)衣、無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)食之(zhi)(zhi)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)、有(you)(you)皮無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)肉之(zhi)(zhi)赤子”征(zheng)收(shou)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),他(ta)(ta)說:“功令既不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)寬我,我也甘之(zhi)(zhi)。”又說:“畏功令而(er)迫于(yu)(yu)(yu)催(cui)科,既不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)完(wan)(wan)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),而(er)又有(you)(you)以傷(shang)國家(jia)之(zhi)(zhi)元氣,卑職所(suo)(suo)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢(gan)出(chu)也。”左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)認(ren)為(wei)(wei)(wei):“民(min)(min)(min)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)安(an)(an)其(qi)(qi)(qi)生,吏(li)難(nan)盡其(qi)(qi)(qi)職。”作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)(wei)封(feng)建(jian)官(guan)吏(li)能(neng)夠把百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)疾苦放(fang)在(zai)(zai)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)一(yi)(yi)(yi)位(wei),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)顧個(ge)人(ren)(ren)前(qian)途安(an)(an)危,實屬難(nan)得(de)(de)(de)。除了(le)(le)連(lian)年(nian)(nian)災(zai)(zai)荒(huang)(huang),韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)生活(huo)(huo)(huo)貧(pin)困拖欠(qian)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)還(huan)有(you)(you)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)重(zhong)要原因就是(shi)(shi)空(kong)賠(pei)錢(qian)糧(liang)(liang)。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)自(zi)(zi)嘉(jia)靖(jing)四(si)十(shi)年(nian)(nian)(1561年(nian)(nian))丈地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)均糧(liang)(liang)以后(hou),按(an)照(zhao)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)畝(mu)數(shu)(shu)繳納(na)錢(qian)糧(liang)(liang)。韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)處黃河(he)(he)岸邊,大(da)(da)量土地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)被沖毀崩塌(ta),農(nong)民(min)(min)(min)失去(qu)了(le)(le)土地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di),70多(duo)年(nian)(nian)來卻一(yi)(yi)(yi)直要按(an)照(zhao)嘉(jia)靖(jing)四(si)十(shi)年(nian)(nian)確定的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)畝(mu)數(shu)(shu)交納(na)賦(fu)(fu)(fu)稅(shui)(shui)(shui),每(mei)年(nian)(nian)空(kong)賠(pei)銀(yin)(yin)(yin)(yin)糧(liang)(liang)兩千余(yu)(yu)石,年(nian)(nian)復(fu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)年(nian)(nian),農(nong)民(min)(min)(min)生活(huo)(huo)(huo)難(nan)以為(wei)(wei)(wei)繼,“死(si)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)半、逃者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)半”。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)下鄉巡(xun)視,看到(dao)(dao)(dao)近岸村(cun)莊因“賠(pei)糧(liang)(liang)賣屋(wu),屋(wu)盡人(ren)(ren)逃與死(si)也。沿河(he)(he)居民(min)(min)(min),老(lao)幼萬余(yu)(yu)人(ren)(ren)……皆(jie)身(shen)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)完(wan)(wan)衣。”面對(dui)(dui)慘狀,左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)心(xin)(xin)(xin)(xin)急(ji)如(ru)焚(fen)。崇(chong)禎(zhen)(zhen)八年(nian)(nian)(1635)十(shi)月,左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)與縣(xian)(xian)內(nei)士紳(shen)(shen)反復(fu)磋商,毅然(ran)(ran)決(jue)定在(zai)(zai)全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)范(fan)圍(wei)內(nei)重(zhong)新(xin)丈量土地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di),平(ping)均田賦(fu)(fu)(fu),徹底改變韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)空(kong)賠(pei)錢(qian)糧(liang)(liang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)現狀,為(wei)(wei)(wei)韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)“除百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)年(nian)(nian)之(zhi)(zhi)害,興百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)年(nian)(nian)之(zhi)(zhi)利(li)。”這是(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)項(xiang)極其(qi)(qi)(qi)復(fu)雜(za)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)工(gong)作(zuo),涉(she)及到(dao)(dao)(dao)各個(ge)階層(ceng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)利(li)益,阻力(li)很大(da)(da),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)做了(le)(le)精心(xin)(xin)(xin)(xin)細致的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)安(an)(an)排(pai)。他(ta)(ta)頒布了(le)(le)《均地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)法(fa)則(ze)示》,設計了(le)(le)程(cheng)序嚴(yan)(yan)密的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)“三(san)(san)(san)番清丈法(fa)”:各里(li)(li)(li)自(zi)(zi)己(ji)清丈地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)畝(mu)數(shu)(shu),造《魚鱗冊》上(shang)報(bao)縣(xian)(xian)里(li)(li)(li)。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)再率(lv)人(ren)(ren)逐里(li)(li)(li)抽(chou)丈,最(zui)后(hou)全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)28里(li)(li)(li)互相(xiang)復(fu)丈。三(san)(san)(san)番清丈后(hou),允許(xu)彼此舉(ju)報(bao),如(ru)有(you)(you)揭發(fa)(fa)舉(ju)報(bao),左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)則(ze)親自(zi)(zi)帶人(ren)(ren)前(qian)往丈量。對(dui)(dui)于(yu)(yu)(yu)故意“隱漏”、“受(shou)賄”及“強梁不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)公”者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),“依律定罪(zui),決(jue)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)食言”。為(wei)(wei)(wei)防(fang)止(zhi)有(you)(you)人(ren)(ren)行(xing)賄,左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)命(ming)所(suo)(suo)有(you)(you)工(gong)作(zuo)人(ren)(ren)員“各帶口(kou)糧(liang)(liang),遇村(cun)鎮(zhen)隨便買食,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)許(xu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)方搭棚結彩(cai),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)準備飯獻茶。”左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)避勞怨,專(zhuan)精力(li)行(xing),從(cong)(cong)而(er)準確地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)掌握(wo)了(le)(le)全(quan)縣(xian)(xian)土地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)數(shu)(shu)量,做到(dao)(dao)(dao)了(le)(le)“有(you)(you)田則(ze)有(you)(you)糧(liang)(liang),無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)田則(ze)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)糧(liang)(liang)。”韓(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)數(shu)(shu)十(shi)年(nian)(nian)空(kong)賠(pei)錢(qian)糧(liang)(liang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)重(zhong)大(da)(da)弊端終于(yu)(yu)(yu)革(ge)除了(le)(le),廣大(da)(da)農(nong)民(min)(min)(min)奔走相(xiang)告(gao),拍(pai)手稱快。左(zuo)(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)指(zhi)導編(bian)寫的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)《魚鱗冊》,用來管理河(he)(he)岸灘地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di),解決(jue)了(le)(le)河(he)(he)水(shui)淹沒土地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)無(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)可(ke)耕(geng)種和河(he)(he)水(shui)退(tui)后(hou)土地(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)(di)沒有(you)(you)耕(geng)種仍(reng)要納(na)稅(shui)(shui)(shui)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)難(nan)題,此舉(ju)深得(de)(de)(de)百(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)認(ren)可(ke),后(hou)世沿用至今。
崇(chong)尚(shang)(shang)節(jie)儉(jian),割除陋習,嚴禁(jin)(jin)奢(she)(she)(she)靡(mi)之(zhi)(zhi)風(feng)(feng)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)在韓城(cheng)期間(jian),十分注重訪(fang)聽民(min)間(jian)疾苦(ku)和風(feng)(feng)土人情。他“深山窮谷,足跡殆(dai)遍。”發(fa)現(xian)韓城(cheng)習俗(su)(su)有(you)崇(chong)尚(shang)(shang)奢(she)(she)(she)侈(chi)(chi)之(zhi)(zhi)風(feng)(feng),“相(xiang)沿不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)止(zhi)(zhi),勢且繁多。”特(te)別是婚(hun)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)(sang)嫁(jia)娶(qu)方(fang)面禮(li)數繁瑣,奢(she)(she)(she)侈(chi)(chi)浪費(fei),一般百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)負(fu)擔不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)起。男女(nv)婚(hun)姻,女(nv)方(fang)專(zhuan)索(suo)(suo)厚聘,男方(fang)強索(suo)(suo)妝奩,“以(yi)(yi)至富者(zhe)貧,而貧者(zhe)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能嫁(jia)女(nv)。生(sheng)女(nv)則愁異(yi)日之(zhi)(zhi)費(fei),有(you)棄之(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)育者(zhe)。”為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)死者(zhe)發(fa)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)(sang),則流行(xing)大(da)(da)擺酒席、設臺唱(chang)戲(xi),妄費(fei)甚多,以(yi)(yi)至于“父母病時不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)自憂其病,而憂其子之(zhi)(zhi)無所費(fei)。人子遇(yu)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)(sang),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)一味(wei)哀痛,反留心檢點諸(zhu)費(fei),久而不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)葬其親(qin)。”老百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)結不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)起婚(hun)、埋不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)起死者(zhe),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)感嘆:“奢(she)(she)(she)之(zhi)(zhi)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)害,一至于此!”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)認為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei),韓城(cheng)災害頻發(fa),盜(dao)匪猖獗,不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)盡是“天數使然”,百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)奢(she)(she)(she)僭之(zhi)(zhi)風(feng)(feng),也“皆足致(zhi)異(yi)”。為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)嚴禁(jin)(jin)奢(she)(she)(she)靡(mi),以(yi)(yi)挽風(feng)(feng)俗(su)(su),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)與地(di)士紳(shen)共(gong)同努力,韓城(cheng)民(min)風(feng)(feng)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)一變。崇(chong)禎(zhen)九年(1636)七月(yue),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)發(fa)布了(le)著(zhu)名的(de)(de)(de)《崇(chong)儉(jian)書(shu)》告示(shi),提出(chu)“以(yi)(yi)儉(jian)樸為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)風(feng)(feng)化之(zhi)(zhi)首”,明令限制和禁(jin)(jin)止(zhi)(zhi)婚(hun)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)(sang)嫁(jia)娶(qu)中的(de)(de)(de)種種奢(she)(she)(she)糜風(feng)(feng)俗(su)(su)。他根(gen)據官宦、士庶各(ge)個(ge)階(jie)(jie)層(ceng)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)同經濟條件,對(dui)婚(hun)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)(sang)嫁(jia)娶(qu)的(de)(de)(de)每(mei)個(ge)環(huan)節(jie)、每(mei)個(ge)細節(jie)都(dou)作(zuo)了(le)質和量的(de)(de)(de)具體(ti)規(gui)定(ding),婚(hun)禮(li)、喪(sang)(sang)(sang)(sang)禮(li)形成定(ding)式。同時規(gui)定(ding),婚(hun)禮(li)中禁(jin)(jin)止(zhi)(zhi)沿街擺列妝奩,以(yi)(yi)示(shi)夸耀;喪(sang)(sang)(sang)(sang)禮(li)中不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)許擺酒設宴(yan)、搭臺作(zuo)戲(xi)。除此之(zhi)(zhi)外,還對(dui)日常生(sheng)活(huo)方(fang)面諸(zhu)如居處、穿衣(yi)、戴帽、宴(yan)會、禮(li)尚(shang)(shang)往來等(deng)作(zuo)出(chu)量化從儉(jian)的(de)(de)(de)細致(zhi)規(gui)定(ding)。為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)使各(ge)項規(gui)定(ding)符合習俗(su)(su)又切實可行(xing),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)征求(qiu)(qiu)各(ge)階(jie)(jie)層(ceng)的(de)(de)(de)意(yi)見(jian),用了(le)三(san)個(ge)月(yue)時間(jian)才(cai)得以(yi)(yi)定(ding)稿(gao),公示(shi)于眾,要求(qiu)(qiu)縉(jin)紳(shen)士民(min)“各(ge)守(shou)其應得之(zhi)(zhi)分”,如有(you)違犯,“許鄉(xiang)約鄰佑(you)地(di)方(fang)舉報”。因為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)這些措施事先(xian)征求(qiu)(qiu)了(le)各(ge)個(ge)階(jie)(jie)層(ceng)的(de)(de)(de)意(yi)見(jian),先(xian)在鄉(xiang)紳(shen)中試行(xing)三(san)個(ge)月(yue),之(zhi)(zhi)后(hou)順(shun)利地(di)在全(quan)縣(xian)推開。大(da)(da)戶人家婚(hun)喪(sang)(sang)(sang)(sang)嫁(jia)娶(qu)時率先(xian)遵(zun)守(shou)《崇(chong)儉(jian)書(shu)》的(de)(de)(de)規(gui)定(ding),一般百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)紛紛效仿,社(she)會風(feng)(feng)氣(qi)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi)大(da)(da)變。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)韓城(cheng)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)(de)生(sheng)活(huo)作(zuo)出(chu)了(le)影響(xiang)后(hou)世幾百(bai)年的(de)(de)(de)方(fang)向性(xing)設計(ji),大(da)(da)大(da)(da)減輕了(le)人民(min)的(de)(de)(de)負(fu)擔,受到廣大(da)(da)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)特(te)別是貧苦(ku)農民(min)的(de)(de)(de)歡迎。三(san)百(bai)多年過去了(le),《崇(chong)儉(jian)書(shu)》歷久彌(mi)新(xin),韓城(cheng)百(bai)姓(xing)(xing)(xing)至今(jin)仍然遵(zun)守(shou)著(zhu)左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)立下的(de)(de)(de)很多規(gui)矩,早(zao)已成為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)傳統文化的(de)(de)(de)一部分。
左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)還(huan)十(shi)(shi)分注重發展文化教(jiao)育(yu)事(shi)業,弘揚(yang)社(she)(she)會(hui)正(zheng)氣(qi)。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)六(liu)(liu)年(nian)(nian),盡管(guan)兵(bing)荒馬(ma)亂,多(duo)災(zai)多(duo)難(nan),但左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)仍做出(chu)了(le)令(ling)人(ren)(ren)(ren)稱(cheng)道(dao)(dao)的(de)成績。崇(chong)禎七年(nian)(nian)(1634),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)充任(ren)陜西鄉試(shi)考官(guan),錄(lu)取(qu)了(le)11人(ren)(ren)(ren),韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)僅有(you)(you)1人(ren)(ren)(ren)考上。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)受(shou)到(dao)(dao)很(hen)(hen)大觸動,內心(xin)(xin)深(shen)(shen)感(gan)不(bu)(bu)(bu)安(an),認為(wei)自己(ji)負有(you)(you)責任(ren)。回到(dao)(dao)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)在全縣選(xuan)拔優秀生(sheng)員(yuan),成立“尊(zun)經(jing)(jing)社(she)(she)”,每(mei)月兩次親(qin)(qin)(qin)自到(dao)(dao)明倫(lun)堂講解(jie)經(jing)(jing)書,學(xue)生(sheng)常常“執(zhi)經(jing)(jing)問難(nan)于前(qian),竟日乃已。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)的(de)努力取(qu)得(de)(de)了(le)實效。三年(nian)(nian)后(hou),陜西鄉試(shi)中韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)有(you)(you)8人(ren)(ren)(ren)中舉,全部是(shi)“尊(zun)經(jing)(jing)社(she)(she)”的(de)學(xue)生(sheng)。《韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)縣志》載:“韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)人(ren)(ren)(ren)知(zhi)(zhi)通經(jing)(jing)學(xue)古自公始。丙子(zi)(zi)(zi)登科者(zhe)(zhe)八人(ren)(ren)(ren),皆社(she)(she)中士,其(qi)余澤也。”“由(you)是(shi)捷(jie)書蟬(chan)聯,至今為(wei)國(guo)家楨者(zhe)(zhe),先(xian)生(sheng)開之也。”韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)崇(chong)文重教(jiao)之風興起(qi),人(ren)(ren)(ren)才(cai)輩出(chu),有(you)(you)的(de)成為(wei)棟梁之才(cai)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)不(bu)(bu)(bu)僅開重教(jiao)之風,還(huan)十(shi)(shi)分注重宣揚(yang)社(she)(she)會(hui)正(zheng)氣(qi)。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)有(you)(you)“東海孝(xiao)子(zi)(zi)(zi)”之名(ming),曾為(wei)父(fu)親(qin)(qin)(qin)守孝(xiao)三年(nian)(nian),因父(fu)親(qin)(qin)(qin)葬在蘿石山上,遂自號蘿石,終(zhong)身(shen)(shen)不(bu)(bu)(bu)忘父(fu)親(qin)(qin)(qin)養育(yu)之恩(en)。在韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)不(bu)(bu)(bu)僅自己(ji)侍奉(feng)母(mu)親(qin)(qin)(qin)起(qi)居(ju)盡心(xin)(xin)盡力,無(wu)微不(bu)(bu)(bu)至,還(huan)重刻《孝(xiao)經(jing)(jing)》一(yi)書,號召百姓(xing)(xing)講究孝(xiao)道(dao)(dao),懂得(de)(de)孝(xiao)親(qin)(qin)(qin)大義(yi)。有(you)(you)一(yi)縣民因犯事(shi)被押到(dao)(dao)縣衙,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)聽說他家里(li)尚有(you)(you)老母(mu)需要侍候,即(ji)放回。久之,不(bu)(bu)(bu)免有(you)(you)人(ren)(ren)(ren)作假。懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)說:我并非不(bu)(bu)(bu)知(zhi)(zhi)道(dao)(dao),但是(shi)從長遠來(lai)看,孝(xiao)親(qin)(qin)(qin)之風興起(qi),所得(de)(de)必多(duo)啊。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)有(you)(you)程氏妻燕氏,面對盜賊的(de)利刃(ren)毫不(bu)(bu)(bu)畏懼,以身(shen)(shen)護(hu)住婆母(mu),“賊感(gan)其(qi)孝(xiao),舍之而去。”懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)得(de)(de)知(zhi)(zhi),立即(ji)上奏朝廷(ting),請(qing)求旌表。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)芝(zhi)川(chuan)為(wei)宋代太師張升(sheng)故里(li),張升(sheng)為(wei)官(guan)耿直,懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)作詩贊揚(yang)他:“吾(wu)想君子(zi)(zi)(zi)直,亭亭山上松。”左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)整修(xiu)司(si)(si)馬(ma)遷墓,撰(zhuan)寫《祭司(si)(si)馬(ma)子(zi)(zi)(zi)長文》,贊其(qi)豐功偉績。又修(xiu)繕蘇(su)武墓,撰(zhuan)寫《新漢(han)典(dian)屬國(guo)蘇(su)子(zi)(zi)(zi)卿墓垣(yuan)記》,對蘇(su)武的(de)節操給予了(le)極(ji)高評價。修(xiu)建(jian)白(bai)公祠(ci),歌頌白(bai)居(ju)易關心(xin)(xin)民生(sheng)疾苦的(de)情懷。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)的(de)這(zhe)些(xie)做法,向社(she)(she)會(hui)傳達了(le)純正(zheng)良好的(de)風氣(qi)。尤其(qi)是(shi)蘇(su)武的(de)精(jing)神,對左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)本人(ren)(ren)(ren)影響很(hen)(hen)深(shen)(shen),為(wei)他出(chu)使(shi)清(qing)廷(ting)不(bu)(bu)(bu)屈殉國(guo)埋(mai)下了(le)伏筆。左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)治理韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)六(liu)(liu)年(nian)(nian),時間不(bu)(bu)(bu)長,但政績斐然(ran),展示了(le)出(chu)色的(de)理政才(cai)能(neng)。他深(shen)(shen)知(zhi)(zhi)職(zhi)責所在,心(xin)(xin)系百姓(xing)(xing),體察民情,換來(lai)了(le)韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)人(ren)(ren)(ren)民的(de)普遍擁戴,人(ren)(ren)(ren)們把他與司(si)(si)馬(ma)遷、蘇(su)武、郭子(zi)(zi)(zi)儀(yi)、白(bai)居(ju)易并稱(cheng)為(wei)“禹(yu)門五賢”。韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)歷史(shi)上先(xian)后(hou)建(jian)有(you)(you)十(shi)(shi)座杰出(chu)名(ming)人(ren)(ren)(ren)祠(ci),左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)占了(le)兩座,一(yi)處左(zuo)(zuo)公祠(ci),一(yi)處蘿石祠(ci);韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)名(ming)宦(huan)祠(ci)里(li)供(gong)奉(feng)十(shi)(shi)位先(xian)賢,左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)又是(shi)其(qi)中之一(yi),可見左(zuo)(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)在韓(han)(han)(han)(han)(han)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)人(ren)(ren)(ren)心(xin)(xin)目中的(de)崇(chong)高地位。
3、其他記載
崇(chong)禎三年(nian)(nian)(1630年(nian)(nian)),左(zuo)懋第(di)鄉試中山東第(di)二名舉人(ren),次年(nian)(nian)中進士。懋第(di)任陜西韓城令,崇(chong)禎十二年(nian)(nian)(1639年(nian)(nian))官戶科給事中,上書提出時局有(you)四(si)(si)弊(bi):民窮、兵弱、臣工推諉、國計虛耗(hao)。升太常(chang)寺(si)正(zheng)卿,右僉都御(yu)史。十四(si)(si)年(nian)(nian),督催漕運,道中馳疏(shu)言:“臣自靜海抵臨清(qing),見人(ren)民饑死(si)者(zhe)三,疫死(si)者(zhe)三,為盜者(zhe)四(si)(si)。米石銀二十四(si)(si)兩,人(ren)死(si)取以食(shi)。惟圣明垂念。”崇(chong)禎十六(liu)年(nian)(nian)(1643年(nian)(nian))秋,出巡長(chang)江防(fang)務(wu),不久北都淪陷,其母陳氏絕(jue)食(shi)而死(si)。
清兵(bing)入關,左(zuo)懋第被任為兵(bing)部右侍郎(lang)兼右僉(qian)都(dou)御(yu)史,以陳洪范(fan)、馬(ma)紹愉為副(fu)使,前往北京,通好議(yi)和。
左(zuo)懋第(di)開始時反對議和(he),極(ji)力主戰(zhan),并請(qing)求撥(bo)給他(ta)人(ren)(ren)馬,以(yi)(yi)收復失地(di),恢(hui)復大明(ming)江(jiang)山.但未獲批準。繼而他(ta)又(you)拒絕(jue)出使議和(he),請(qing)求安宗(zong)皇帝(di)改派他(ta)人(ren)(ren)出使,也未被接(jie)受(shou)。左(zuo)懋第(di)深織赴京議和(he),如同與虎謀(mou)皮,希望渺茫,但君命(ming)難違,只能(neng)(neng)(neng)照辦。臨行前,他(ta)力勸安宗(zong)皇帝(di)“時時以(yi)(yi)先帝(di)之(zhi)仇、北都之(zhi)恥為(wei)(wei)念(nian)”, “勿以(yi)(yi)北行為(wei)(wei)和(he)議必(bi)成(cheng),勿以(yi)(yi)和(he)成(cheng)為(wei)(wei)足恃”。提醒南明(ming)王(wang)朝不要期望和(he)議一定能(neng)(neng)(neng)成(cheng)功,即使議和(he)成(cheng)功,也不一定是可以(yi)(yi)信賴(lai)的,主張以(yi)(yi)武(wu)力保(bao)平安。“夫能(neng)(neng)(neng)渡河(he)而戰(zhan),始能(neng)(neng)(neng)扼河(he)而守(shou),必(bi)能(neng)(neng)(neng)扼河(he)面守(shou),始能(neng)(neng)(neng)畫江(jiang)而安.’強調以(yi)(yi)天下為(wei)(wei)重,以(yi)(yi)恥仇為(wei)(wei)念(nian),以(yi)(yi)淪陷之(zhi)民為(wei)(wei)憂(you),要整軍傷兵,以(yi)(yi)田(tian)恢(hui)復大業。
左(zuo)懋第對北(bei)行議和(he)的(de)危險也深有預料。他在一封信(xin)中(zhong)說,
“懋第(di)此行(xing),是懋第(di)死日也。”立(li)志要“效宋之文天樣”,“留正氣于(yu)千(qian)古。”
崇禎十(shi)七(qi)年(nian)十(shi)月初(chu),揩二副使及隨從百余(yu)人(ren)至北(bei)京(jing)(jing)張家灣,住進鴻臚寺(si)。懋第在(zai)(zai)(zai)鴻臚寺(si)陳設(she)太牢(lao),率隨員北(bei)面哭祭三日(ri)。十(shi)月二十(shi)七(qi)日(ri)多爾(er)袞釋放(fang)左(zuo)懋第南歸。左(zuo)等走出(chu)永定門,馮詮(quan)勸多爾(er)袞不要(yao)“放(fang)虎(hu)歸山”,十(shi)一(yi)(yi)月十(shi)四日(ri)多爾(er)袞遣百騎(qi)在(zai)(zai)(zai)滄州追回(hui),被扣留在(zai)(zai)(zai)北(bei)京(jing)(jing)太醫(yi)院,墻上(shang)(shang)遍布荊棘(ji),自(zi)言:“生為(wei)明(ming)臣,死為(wei)明(ming)鬼,我志也(ye)。”為(wei)了(le)擊(ji)退清王(wang)朝的(de)利誘勸降(jiang),他(ta)寫了(le)“生為(wei)大(da)(da)明(ming)忠臣,死為(wei)大(da)(da)明(ming)忠鬼”的(de)對(dui)聯貼在(zai)(zai)(zai)門上(shang)(shang)。一(yi)(yi)則(ze)明(ming)志,一(yi)(yi)則(ze)堵勸降(jiang)說客之口(kou)。他(ta)還畫(hua)了(le)一(yi)(yi)幅(fu)蘇武牧羊畫(hua)像,掛在(zai)(zai)(zai)墻上(shang)(shang)以自(zi)勵。
弘(hong)光元年閏六月十五日(ri)頒布剃發令,隨員艾大(da)選遵旨薙發,懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)將其亂(luan)棍打死(si),清廷(ting)前來責問,懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)曰(yue):“吾自(zi)行我(wo)(wo)法(fa),殺我(wo)(wo)人,與若(ruo)何(he)預?”清廷(ting)設“太平宴(yan)(yan)”宴(yan)(yan)請(qing),懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)拒食。又(you)(you)遣洪承疇(chou)前來說(shuo)降(jiang),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)說(shuo):“此(ci)(ci)鬼也(ye)。洪督師在松山(shan)死(si)節,先(xian)(xian)帝賜祭九(jiu)壇(tan),今日(ri)安(an)得更生(sheng)?”洪承疇(chou)慚愧而退。李建泰(tai)又(you)(you)來勸降(jiang),左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)怒斥(chi)說(shuo):“老奴尚在?先(xian)(xian)帝寵餞,勒兵剿賊,既不(bu)(bu)殉國(guo),又(you)(you)失身(shen)焉,何(he)面目見我(wo)(wo)?”左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)又(you)(you)責問勸降(jiang)的堂兄弟(di)左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)泰(tai):“此(ci)(ci)非吾弟(di)也(ye)?”隨之(zhi)將其叱(chi)離。多爾袞大(da)怒,親自(zi)提審懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di),懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)直立不(bu)(bu)跪。當問道:“你為何(he)不(bu)(bu)肯剃頭?”左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)回答(da):“頭可斷(duan),發不(bu)(bu)可斷(duan)!”金之(zhi)俊勸他:“先(xian)(xian)生(sheng)何(he)不(bu)(bu)知興廢(fei)!”左(zuo)懋(mao)(mao)第(di)(di)針鋒相對答(da)道:“汝(ru)何(he)不(bu)(bu)知羞恥!”多爾袞知其不(bu)(bu)可降(jiang),閏六月十九(jiu)日(ri),命左(zuo)右推出(chu)宣武門外菜市口處死(si)。
臨刑時,左懋第南(nan)向再拜說:“臣等(deng)事大明(ming)之心(xin)盡矣。”有絕命詩(shi):“峽坼巢封歸路迥,片云南(nan)下意如何;丹忱碧血(xue)消難盡,蕩作寒(han)煙總不磨。”隨(sui)員陳用極、王一斌、張良佐(zuo)、王廷佐(zuo)、劉統等(deng)人(ren)皆不屈而死。
左懋第(di)著(zhu)有(you)《梅花屋詩(shi)抄(chao)》一卷,《蘿(luo)石(shi)山房文抄(chao)》四卷,《左忠(zhong)貞(zhen)公剩稿》四卷。
《姜(jiang)烈(lie)士(shi)正芳傳》作者:左 懋 第
姜正芳,邑(yi)人(ren)(ren),居(ju)(ju)邑(yi)西北五里(li)許〔指(zhi)今(jin)柏林莊鎮小(xiao)埠(bu)頂村(cun)〕。少(shao)有(you)力,能弓矢及劍。值海上備倭(wo),應登州(zhou)壯士募,欲殺(sha)(sha)賊立功名。后事已,罷歸農。軀長健勇而樸(pu)誠,好解斗。有(you)兄弟十年(nian)訟者,合之(zhi)無異詞。又知書,時說古(gu)今(jin)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)敗事,髯眉(mei)為(wei)(wei)動。崇禎(zhen)二(er)年(nian)己巳,年(nian)已六十。際〔遇〕董大成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)〔今(jin)屬(shu)柏林莊鎮劉(liu)家疃村(cun)人(ren)(ren)〕亂。大成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)亦邑(yi)人(ren)(ren),恃勇好亂敗產,多結(jie)惡少(shao)。會妖賊李〔指(zhi)傳白(bai)蓮教的(de)(de)李盛明(ming)〕,不(bu)知何地人(ren)(ren),能術煽齊民,成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)陰受約(yue)為(wei)(wei)從〔大成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)暗地里(li)接受他(ta)的(de)(de)密約(yue),跟從他(ta)造反(fan)〕。有(you)招遠許湯,殺(sha)(sha)催稅隸叛據腰山(shan)〔今(jin)稱窯(yao)山(shan),在譚格莊鎮北〕。成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)與(yu)湯夙盟,疑不(bu)定(ding),遂出(chu)城散徒(tu)(tu)掠人(ren)(ren)為(wei)(wei)盜,三(san)日,得三(san)千人(ren)(ren)。聚邑(yi)西劉(liu)家莊,待與(yu)俱(ju)東去。芳居(ju)(ju)西南一里(li),成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)率騎(qi)至其家。芳不(bu)避(bi),為(wei)(wei)開陳大難(nan), 不(bu)易發,當早寢(qin)〔早早停息〕。不(bu)應,反(fan)迫與(yu)俱(ju)。芳度〔考(kao)慮〕其黨已發,不(bu)可說,又徒(tu)(tu)死無益,佯應之(zhi)。且紿〔音迨,同詒,欺騙(pian)〕之(zhi)曰:汝事舉三(san)余日矣,官軍得無知者?三(san)千人(ren)(ren)而抱(bao)頭聚,若(ruo)軍至,何以應?成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)曰:奈何?芳教以分(fen)為(wei)(wei)五,皆里(li)許隔,變可相聞(wen)。賊從之(zhi)。日暮,果分(fen)為(wei)(wei)五,北者近芳居(ju)(ju),賊腹心則居(ju)(ju)中。
十一月廿三夜,晦〔天黑〕不(bu)見人(ren)。芳(fang)(fang)喜,潛至(zhi)其(qi)東(dong)南(nan)(nan)西,皆語曰(yue):官(guan)兵(bing)(bing)至(zhi)矣,吾儕chai〔我等(deng)〕皆良人(ren),今無(wu)死所(suo)。如聞(wen)(wen)戰斗聲,宜(yi)各(ge)為(wei)計。掠人(ren)〔被掠之(zhi)人(ren)〕皆惶迫,不(bu)知所(suo)為(wei)。芳(fang)(fang)因(yin)至(zhi)中(zhong)語曰(yue):官(guan)軍(jun)已(yi)至(zhi)〔大成〕村后矣,宜(yi)力敵勿怠(dai)。大成及諸腹心俱(ju)鹵騃〔癡愚,鹵,通魯。騃,音似〕,不(bu)知兵(bing)(bing)。皆懼而(er)強諾(nuo)焉。芳(fang)(fang)又說其(qi)北近居者(zhe)曰(yue):官(guan)軍(jun)自南(nan)(nan)來,汝(ru)(ru)等(deng)宜(yi)大呼示(shi)人(ren)眾,至(zhi)便梃(ting)擊(ji)無(wu)失。亦應(ying)曰(yue):諾(nuo)。因(yin)大呼,居中(zhong)者(zhe)聞(wen)(wen)呼亦大呼。引人(ren)北向,梃(ting)相(xiang)接(jie)溷〔混(hun)亂〕擊(ji)焉。其(qi)東(dong)南(nan)(nan)西聞(wen)(wen)呼及戰斗聲,大恐,亦大呼,盡(jin)逃去戰。賊(zei)聞(wen)(wen)呼亦亂。逮〔等(deng)到(dao)〕辨聲諗為(wei)芳(fang)(fang)計,而(er)成已(yi)偕(xie)從董(dong)平(ping)馳騎(qi)遁東(dong)埠。尋(xun)而(er)告語之(zhi),怒回呼芳(fang)(fang)。芳(fang)(fang)應(ying)之(zhi)途曰(yue):我為(wei)汝(ru)(ru)練兵(bing)(bing)耳。成曰(yue):汝(ru)(ru)亂吾兵(bing)(bing),何練為(wei)?芳(fang)(fang)曰(yue):汝(ru)(ru)新集兵(bing)(bing)不(bu)可戰, 試恐以官(guan)軍(jun)走矣,況親至(zhi)者(zhe)乎?欲圖事
須入(ru)與(yu)我(wo)(wo)謀。因延至其(qi)家(jia)。成(cheng)與(yu)眾賊因人多(duo)逃,皆搖亂無(wu)定見,遂(sui)信之(zhi)(zhi)。芳欲堅其(qi)入(ru)〔堅定其(qi)進入(ru)之(zhi)(zhi)決心(xin)〕,曰:兵未散者(zhe),尚五(wu)六百(bai)人,可駐(zhu)我(wo)(wo)門前,但腹心(xin)入(ru)與(yu)謀。成(cheng)遂(sui)及(ji)其(qi)腹心(xin)六七人入(ru)。芳為設坐,具燈火(huo)笑曰:俱(ju)饑矣(yi),我(wo)(wo)具食。
芳三(san)子(zi),長別居;次(ci)渭經,抱(bao)布貿(mao);渭明,嫁花草竹木以(yi)生。時長子(zi)之(zhi)(zhi)子(zi)春在焉。芳出屬(shu)〔通囑〕經視(shi)前(qian)門,明視(shi)后門。矯〔假傳〕賊令,勿使(shi)一人入。屬(shu)其(qi)孫從之(zhi)(zhi)〔囑咐(fu)他(ta)的孫子(zi)跟從他(ta)〕。孫問所以(yi),芳曰:賊入我彀中(zhong)矣。待就食(shi),我從旁斫(zhuo)董賊死(si)(si)。我雖老尚(shang)健(jian),可抵三(san)四人。魁(kui)死(si)(si)〔頭(tou)目死(si)(si)〕,余鳥獸散,不(bu)足畏即不(bu)幸(xing)為賊殺,舉家以(yi)良百姓(xing)。殺賊死(si)(si),不(bu)愈于作賊死(si)(si)乎(hu)?汝勿語諸婦人,但促(cu)具食(shi)。芳因入, 酌酒董賊前(qian)又遍酌諸腹心(xin),以(yi)麥湯飲之(zhi)(zhi)。成等皆(jie)就食(shi),惟一賊魯東明者(zhe)不(bu)食(shi),持鐵(tie)叉立成傍目芳。芳疑之(zhi)(zhi),因自思曰:過此瞬恐無及,吾(wu)當并(bing)斫(zhuo)之(zhi)(zhi)。因取(qu)其(qi)衣下藏刀斫(zhuo)大成,未及。東明格之(zhi)(zhi),錚(zheng)有聲。大成驚拔佩刀起應之(zhi)(zhi)。
諸(zhu)賊(zei)舍食起拔刀。芳知不濟,持刀趨出門,呼(hu):馬安在?得(de)賊(zei)馬聳(song)乘之(zhi)。大(da)呼(hu)曰:人(ren)或逆我〔誰如阻止我〕,死矣。于是群賊(zei)隨出大(da)呼(hu)曰:圍之(zhi)勿令(ling)走(zou)。門前諸(zhu)賊(zei)圍之(zhi)數(shu)(shu)匝。芳力(li)斫,殺三(san)四人(ren)。馳數(shu)(shu)十步,群矛環(huan)刺(ci)焉,遂墜(zhui)馬被(bei)縛。賊(zei)乃入收其家(jia)當。堂中(zhong)亂(luan),婦女多走(zou)。時賊(zei)約(yue)不掠,婦女多混(hun)鄰居以免(mian)。其長孫亦走(zou)免(mian)。惟渭(wei)(wei)經、渭(wei)(wei)明被(bei)執,孫三(san)人(ren)亂(luan)殺死。盡(jin)焚其廬舍。
大成以兵(bing)環〔包圍〕芳(fang)并(bing)其(qi)子,罵(ma)曰:汝何為計殺我(wo)?芳(fang)曰:殺汝不中,命也(ye)。但早死(si)耳。賊(zei)怒,罵(ma)曰:何易求死(si),命取水灌三人(ren),寒凍之(zhi)(zhi)。群(qun)刺以矛(mao),體無(wu)完膚(fu),遂(sui)刳心剖(pou)腸。終無(wu)餒詞〔始終沒(mei)有(you)屈服(fu)〕。芳(fang)既(ji)死(si),賊(zei)眾漸集,又遣人(ren)分掠得千(qian)人(ren)。廿(nian)四日(ri)(ri),遂(sui)攻(gong)邑城。廿(nian)五(wu)日(ri)(ri)又攻(gong),皆不克。后遂(sui)益賊(zei)至五(wu)千(qian)人(ren),圍城焚(fen)外關(guan)。十二月,登(deng)兵(bing)〔登(deng)州府之(zhi)(zhi)兵(bing)〕至,與戰,賊(zei)敗(bai)走。追殺平之(zhi)(zhi)。大成同左龍西皆走出。至蒙陰縣(xian),典史王擒殺之(zhi)(zhi),梟其(qi)首(shou),傳(chuan)之(zhi)(zhi)邑懸示〔懸首(shou)示眾〕焉。典史,山海關(guan)人(ren)。
左子曰:董賊(zei)之(zhi)(zhi)變,余時為諸(zhu)生。聞有賊(zei),士民皆乘城(cheng)(cheng)。賊(zei)方駐(zhu)西埠外,久不(bu)(bu)來(lai)攻城(cheng)(cheng)。至夜聞眾呼聲,城(cheng)(cheng)者曰:賊(zei)其(qi)(qi)(qi)(qi)有恐與(yu),不(bu)(bu)知芳之(zhi)(zhi)為也(ye)。芳以(yi)野老,未(wei)沾大官(guan)斗米,而散(san)賊(zei)殺賊(zei),以(yi)必(bi)死謀賊(zei),何烈也(ye)。韓(han)愈論張許:守(shou)一(yi)城(cheng)(cheng)捍天(tian)下,以(yi)千百就盡(jin)之(zhi)(zhi)卒,戰百萬方滋之(zhi)(zhi)寇,蔽遮(zhe)江淮,阻(zu)遏其(qi)(qi)(qi)(qi)勢(shi)。天(tian)下不(bu)(bu)亡,其(qi)(qi)(qi)(qi)誰之(zhi)(zhi)功?余謂萊陽門(men)未(wei)及(ji),土賊(zei)乘新集(ji)之(zhi)(zhi)勢(shi),卒薄城(cheng)(cheng)下,事未(wei)可(ke)(ke)知。夜散(san)之(zhi)(zhi),殺其(qi)(qi)(qi)(qi)勢(shi)而緩其(qi)(qi)(qi)(qi)攻,以(yi)益(yi)〔增(zeng)加(jia)〕城(cheng)(cheng)中一(yi)日(ri)之(zhi)(zhi)備,遂得獲奸內(nei)靖,眾志鼓厲。萊陽不(bu)(bu)亡,不(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)謂非芳之(zhi)(zhi)功。事雖小,大懸(xuan)殊:愈〔韓(han)愈〕之(zhi)(zhi)言益(yi)信夫。余嘗拜其(qi)(qi)(qi)(qi)墓(mu),見三墳(fen)為之(zhi)(zhi)流涕。因過其(qi)(qi)(qi)(qi)門(men):廬舍皆燼。孫十(shi)四人,賊(zei)殺其(qi)(qi)(qi)(qi)三,余者皆垢(gou)敝。妻王年六十(shi)余,依墻結茅以(yi)居。乘軒者〔即當官(guan)的(de)。軒,古代高官(guan)乘坐的(de)一(yi)種有圍棚或帷(wei)幕的(de)車〕未(wei)嘗一(yi)問,匹夫之(zhi)(zhi)節,不(bu)(bu)亦悲(bei)乎?
左懋第(di)為人正直,敢于直言進諫。崇禎年間,大明矛盾重重、危(wei)機(ji)四(si)伏(fu),陷入內(nei)外交(jiao)困之中(zhong),內(nei)有(you)李自成農民(min)(min)軍縱橫(heng)半天下,外有(you)清兵屢次(ci)入侵,邊防(fang)破(po)敗,天災頻仍(reng),三餉加派,竭盡(jin)民(min)(min)脂(zhi),吏治(zhi)(zhi)腐朽,民(min)(min)不聊(liao)生。統治(zhi)(zhi)集團內(nei)部爭權奪利。身為朝(chao)廷(ting)言官的左懋第(di)憂心(xin)如焚,他(ta)屢次(ci)上(shang)疏,針砭(bian)時(shi)弊,提出救國救民(min)(min)之策,為朝(chao)野所矚目(mu)。
左(zuo)懋(mao)第從(cong)民(min)族(zu)利(li)益出發(fa),多(duo)次向當政者提出治國的正確主張。左(zuo)懋(mao)第被擢升為戶科給事中后,尖銳指斥民(min)窮、兵弱、臣工推諉、國計虛耗這四種時(shi)弊(bi),提醒明王朝加以(yi)解決。為減輕勞動(dong)人(ren)民(min)的負擔,緩和階級(ji)矛(mao)盾,以(yi)有利(li)于(yu)鞏固封建統(tong)治,較好(hao)地進行與崛起于(yu)關外的滿族(zu)的民(min)族(zu)斗爭,他屢次上書奏請納監、出錢(qian)贖罪(zui)、廣開財(cai)源,行平倉法、監法及減輕賦稅(shui),輸(shu)粟邊塞、以(yi)充軍糧(liang)。
后來,左懋(mao)第又改任刑科給事中,仍不(bu)斷提出減輕人民負擔的(de)奏請。
初入諫垣,左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)便上(shang)疏要求停(ting)(ting)止三(san)餉(xiang)加(jia)(jia)派,在(zai)他(ta)和其(qi)他(ta)大臣的(de)苦諫下(xia)(xia),崇(chong)禎十(shi)三(san)年(nian)(1640年(nian)),崇(chong)禎帝宣(xuan)布停(ting)(ting)征(zheng)剿(jiao)餉(xiang)。左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)請馬上(shang)公(gong)告天下(xia)(xia),免(mian)得(de)地方開征(zheng),小民(min)不(bu)得(de)實(shi)惠,崇(chong)禎帝采納了(le)他(ta)的(de)建議。當(dang)年(nian)三(san)月,北(bei)京(jing)大風不(bu)止,左(zuo)懋(mao)第(di)又借(jie)天變(bian)上(shang)言,直(zhi)陳時(shi)政缺失(shi)。他(ta)指出(chu):朝(chao)廷雖然數(shu)次(ci)下(xia)(xia)詔減兵省餉(xiang),但(dan)小民(min)卻日困一日。原(yuan)因在(zai)于朝(chao)廷免(mian)征(zheng),而地方催征(zheng),貪官污吏借(jie)機(ji)中飽私囊。欲除此弊(bi),必須公(gong)開各地征(zheng)賦之(zhi)數(shu),讓小民(min)明白(bai),使貪官無法作(zuo)奸。停(ting)(ting)征(zheng)的(de)加(jia)(jia)賦,必須嚴令各地實(shi)行,不(bu)許各級層層追(zhui)加(jia)(jia),這樣才能使皇帝的(de)恩惠潤澤萬民(min)。崇(chong)禎帝很贊(zan)賞他(ta)的(de)建議,下(xia)(xia)令免(mian)掉(diao)上(shang)災(zai)七十(shi)五(wu)州縣(xian)新、舊、練三(san)餉(xiang),中災(zai)六十(shi)八(ba)州縣(xian)新、舊二餉(xiang),下(xia)(xia)災(zai)三(san)十(shi)八(ba)州縣(xian)三(san)餉(xiang)緩征(zheng)。
崇禎十四年(1641年),左懋(mao)第奉(feng)命督(du)辦(ban)漕運(yun),即督(du)辦(ban)自江南(nan)沿運(yun)河向京城運(yun)送糧食。當(dang)時江南(nan)發生饑荒,遍地餓殍,饑民(min)的(de)反抗時有發生。從(cong)統治(zhi)階(jie)級的(de)整體利益出發,左懋(mao)第多次(ci)向崇楨皇帝上書,請求放糧贍災。并發出了“贍救安可不變”的(de)呼吁,為民(min)請命。當(dang)時明王(wang)朝兵連禍結。國庫空(kong)虛(xu),民(min)族矛盾和階(jie)級矛盾空(kong)前(qian)激烈,內(nei)外交困,處于風(feng)雨飄搖之中,左懋(mao)第的(de)意見未被采納。
崇禎(zhen)十六年(nian)(1643年(nian))秋,左懋第出巡長江防務。尚未返京。
明朝(chao)(chao)末年,國家內憂外患,危機四伏,大(da)(da)廈將(jiang)傾,萊陽進(jin)士左懋第卻登上了人生最壯美(mei)的(de)(de)舞臺。他(ta)(ta)治理韓城,政績優(you)異,考(kao)選欽定第一(yi),由知(zhi)縣擢(zhuo)升朝(chao)(chao)中擔任要職,成為崇(chong)禎皇帝信任的(de)(de)股肱之臣。崇(chong)禎甲申(shen)清(qing)兵入關,國難當(dang)頭,他(ta)(ta)挺(ting)身而(er)出,與攝(she)政王多爾(er)袞唇(chun)槍舌劍,堅決維護(hu)大(da)(da)明尊(zun)嚴(yan)。面對酷(ku)刑和威逼利誘,他(ta)(ta)寧作(zuo)大(da)(da)明鬼,不(bu)當(dang)清(qing)朝(chao)(chao)王,成為比(bi)肩文(wen)天祥的(de)(de)民(min)族英雄(xiong)。
清(qing)乾(qian)隆四十一年(1776年)欽(qin)定殉節(jie)錄,賜專謚(shi)“忠貞”,祀本邑鄉賢、韓城(cheng)名宦祠(ci)(ci)(ci),萊陽又(you)建左公祠(ci)(ci)(ci),春秋次丁致(zhi)祭。韓城(cheng)人建祠(ci)(ci)(ci)與漢代的蘇武并(bing)祀。
左(zuo)懋第(di)墓位于山東省煙臺市萊(lai)陽市沐浴店鎮北旺村(cun)東北左(zuo)家(jia)(jia)瑩(ying),距村(cun)約(yue)700米,該墓原(yuan)葬(zang)地在柏林莊鎮東南方向(xiang)羅石頂上(shang)。1952年部隊營房建設時其后裔將此(ci)墓遷至(zhi)該處左(zuo)姓居住(zhu)的(de)北旺村(cun)左(zuo)家(jia)(jia)瑩(ying)內。墓區有墓冢3座成品字(zi)(zi)形排列,懋第(di)墓立龍頭碑陰刻“恩寵”二(er)字(zi)(zi),乾隆41年追謚“忠貞(zhen)”,贈禮(li)部尚(shang)書(shu),墓志是清(qing)嘉慶十二(er)年(1808年)敕(chi)授文林郎萊(lai)陽知縣延君壽(shou)敬題的(de),由(you)左(zuo)氏五世孫寅(yin)文立石。
左(zuo)(zuo)公祠建(jian)(jian)于(yu)康熙四十(shi)年(nian)(1701年(nian)),山(shan)東學政僉事徐炯主持,在萊(lai)陽(yang)修(xiu)建(jian)(jian)左(zuo)(zuo)公祠,萊(lai)陽(yang)人踴(yong)躍捐(juan)款,贊襄其事。乾隆十(shi)五(wu)年(nian)(1750年(nian)),萊(lai)陽(yang)知縣郝大(da)倫重修(xiu)左(zuo)(zuo)公祠。位于(yu)今天(tian)萊(lai)陽(yang)工(gong)人文化(hua)宮西(xi)側(ce),七星街東側(ce)。祠堂(tang)整個院(yuan)落占地(di)約10畝(mu)。大(da)門朝西(xi),有三(san)(san)間(jian)(jian)正殿(dian),客房三(san)(san)間(jian)(jian),雜(za)房三(san)(san)間(jian)(jian),裙房10余間(jian)(jian)。左(zuo)(zuo)公祠在他做(zuo)知縣的山(shan)西(xi)韓城有一座,與萊(lai)陽(yang)祠相似。