楚成王(wang),羋姓,熊(xiong)氏(shi),名惲(yun),是楚文(wen)王(wang)少子,母息夫人。楚文(wen)王(wang)十(shi)五年(魯莊(zhuang)公(gong)十(shi)九年,公(gong)元前675年,《史記》誤作楚文(wen)王(wang)十(shi)三年),楚文(wen)王(wang)去世(shi),熊(xiong)惲(yun)的(de)哥哥熊(xiong)艱(jian)繼位,史稱楚堵敖(一作楚莊(zhuang)敖)。
楚(chu)堵(du)敖三年(nian)(魯莊公二(er)十(shi)二(er)年(nian),公元前(qian)672年(nian)),楚(chu)堵(du)敖想殺害弟(di)弟(di)熊惲,熊惲于是(shi)逃到隨(sui)(sui)國(今湖北隨(sui)(sui)州西北)。熊惲在得(de)到隨(sui)(sui)國人的(de)支持后(hou),便聯合隨(sui)(sui)國人襲(xi)擊(ji)、殺死(si)楚(chu)堵(du)敖,奪得(de)國君之(zhi)位,是(shi)為楚(chu)成王(wang)。
楚(chu)成(cheng)王元年(魯莊公(gong)二十三年,公(gong)元前(qian)671年),楚(chu)成(cheng)王剛一登位,就布施仁德恩惠,與諸侯(hou)修好結盟(meng),派人向周天子進(jin)貢,周天子賜(si)給(gei)他祭肉,說:“鎮(zhen)守(shou)南方、平定(ding)夷越各(ge)族(zu)的動亂,不要侵犯中原各(ge)國(guo)(guo)。”于是楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)的疆土(tu)擴展到千里(li)之外。
當(dang)時(shi)鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)地處中(zhong)原腹地,是當(dang)時(shi)齊國(guo)和(he)楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)兩(liang)國(guo)爭(zheng)奪的焦點。自從楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)王(wang)六年(nian)(nian)(nian)(魯(lu)莊公(gong)二(er)十八(ba)年(nian)(nian)(nian),公(gong)元(yuan)前(qian)(qian)(qian)666年(nian)(nian)(nian)),楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)子元(yuan)伐鄭(zheng)(zheng)失(shi)敗后,楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)王(wang)和(he)斗子文相(xiang)繼在楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)王(wang)十三年(nian)(nian)(nian)(魯(lu)僖公(gong)元(yuan)年(nian)(nian)(nian),公(gong)元(yuan)前(qian)(qian)(qian)659年(nian)(nian)(nian))、楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)王(wang)十四(si)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(魯(lu)僖公(gong)二(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian),公(gong)元(yuan)前(qian)(qian)(qian)658年(nian)(nian)(nian))、楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)王(wang)十五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(魯(lu)僖公(gong)三年(nian)(nian)(nian),公(gong)元(yuan)前(qian)(qian)(qian)657年(nian)(nian)(nian))連續攻(gong)打鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo),鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)招(zhao)架(jia)不住,鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)國(guo)君鄭(zheng)(zheng)文公(gong)想與楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)求(qiu)和(he),但遭鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)大夫(fu)孔叔勸阻。因此齊、楚(chu)(chu)兩(liang)國(guo)關系(xi)極其緊(jin)張(zhang)。
楚成王(wang)(wang)十六(liu)年(魯僖公四年,公元前656年)春天,齊(qi)桓(huan)(huan)公為(wei)遏制楚國(guo)北(bei)進(jin),親率齊(qi)、魯、宋、陳、衛、鄭、許、曹等八國(guo)聯軍(jun)南下攻打蔡國(guo)。蔡軍(jun)潰敗,齊(qi)桓(huan)(huan)公緊接著進(jin)攻楚國(guo)。面對氣勢洶洶的(de)八國(guo)聯軍(jun),楚成王(wang)(wang)、斗(dou)子文毫不(bu)懼(ju)怕,沉著應戰(zhan)。楚成王(wang)(wang)先派遣使(shi)者來(lai)(lai)到(dao)(dao)(dao)軍(jun)中,說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“君(jun)王(wang)(wang)住(zhu)在(zai)北(bei)方,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)住(zhu)在(zai)南方,即使(shi)是牛馬發情狂奔彼此也(ye)不(bu)會相(xiang)關。沒(mei)有(you)(you)想(xiang)到(dao)(dao)(dao)君(jun)王(wang)(wang)竟不(bu)顧路遠來(lai)(lai)到(dao)(dao)(dao)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)國(guo)的(de)土(tu)地上,這是什么緣故?”齊(qi)國(guo)大臣管仲回(hui)答(da)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“以(yi)前召康公命令(ling)我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們的(de)先君(jun)齊(qi)太公說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):‘五侯(hou)九伯,你都可(ke)以(yi)征(zheng)伐他們,以(yi)便(bian)輔助王(wang)(wang)室(shi)。’賜給我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)們的(de)先君(jun)征(zheng)伐的(de)范圍(wei),東邊(bian)(bian)到(dao)(dao)(dao)大海,西邊(bian)(bian)到(dao)(dao)(dao)黃河,南邊(bian)(bian)到(dao)(dao)(dao)穆(mu)陵(ling),北(bei)邊(bian)(bian)到(dao)(dao)(dao)無棣。你不(bu)進(jin)貢王(wang)(wang)室(shi)的(de)包茅,使(shi)天子的(de)祭(ji)祀缺乏應有(you)(you)的(de)物資,不(bu)能漉酒請神,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)為(wei)此而(er)來(lai)(lai)問罪。周昭王(wang)(wang)南征(zheng)到(dao)(dao)(dao)楚國(guo)而(er)沒(mei)有(you)(you)回(hui)去,我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)為(wei)此而(er)來(lai)(lai)責問。”楚國(guo)使(shi)者回(hui)答(da)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo):“貢品沒(mei)有(you)(you)送來(lai)(lai),這確是我(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)(wo)君(jun)的(de)罪過(guo),今后豈(qi)敢不(bu)供(gong)給?至于周昭王(wang)(wang)沒(mei)有(you)(you)回(hui)去,君(jun)王(wang)(wang)還是問水邊(bian)(bian)上的(de)人吧!”齊(qi)桓(huan)(huan)公不(bu)聽,仍然繼續進(jin)軍(jun),駐扎在(zai)陘地(楚國(guo)北(bei)塞(sai),今河南漯河東)。
楚(chu)成王(wang)(wang)十六年(nian)(魯僖(xi)公(gong)(gong)(gong)四(si)年(nian),公(gong)(gong)(gong)元前656年(nian))夏天(tian),楚(chu)成王(wang)(wang)派遣屈(qu)完帶兵(bing)到八(ba)國(guo)聯(lian)軍的(de)(de)駐地。八(ba)國(guo)聯(lian)軍撤(che)退,駐扎在(zai)召陵(今(jin)河南郾城(cheng)(cheng)東)。齊桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)把所(suo)率領的(de)(de)軍隊(dui)(dui)(dui)列(lie)成戰陣,和屈(qu)完坐一輛戰車檢閱隊(dui)(dui)(dui)伍。齊桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)說(shuo):“我(wo)們(men)出兵(bing),難道是(shi)為了我(wo)一個(ge)人嗎(ma)?為的(de)(de)是(shi)繼(ji)續先君(jun)建立(li)的(de)(de)友(you)好關系。我(wo)們(men)兩(liang)國(guo)共(gong)同友(you)好怎(zen)么樣(yang)(yang)?”屈(qu)完回答說(shuo):“君(jun)王(wang)(wang)惠(hui)臨敝國(guo)求福,承蒙君(jun)王(wang)(wang)安(an)撫我(wo)君(jun),這(zhe)(zhe)正是(shi)我(wo)君(jun)的(de)(de)愿望!”齊桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)說(shuo):“用(yong)(yong)(yong)這(zhe)(zhe)樣(yang)(yang)的(de)(de)軍隊(dui)(dui)(dui)來(lai)作(zuo)戰,誰(shui)能夠(gou)抵(di)御他們(men)?用(yong)(yong)(yong)這(zhe)(zhe)樣(yang)(yang)的(de)(de)軍隊(dui)(dui)(dui)來(lai)攻城(cheng)(cheng),哪個(ge)城(cheng)(cheng)不被攻破(po)?”屈(qu)完回答說(shuo):“君(jun)王(wang)(wang)如果用(yong)(yong)(yong)德行安(an)撫諸侯,誰(shui)敢不服?君(jun)王(wang)(wang)如果用(yong)(yong)(yong)武力,楚(chu)國(guo)有方城(cheng)(cheng)山(shan)作(zuo)為城(cheng)(cheng)墻,漢水作(zuo)為護(hu)城(cheng)(cheng)河,君(jun)王(wang)(wang)的(de)(de)軍隊(dui)(dui)(dui)即使(shi)很多(duo),也沒(mei)有什么用(yong)(yong)(yong)處(chu)。”屈(qu)完與八(ba)國(guo)諸侯訂立(li)盟(meng)約。
召(zhao)陵會(hui)盟(meng)后,楚國(guo)(guo)(guo)繼(ji)續北上(shang)東(dong)(dong)進,與(yu)齊國(guo)(guo)(guo)爭(zheng)霸,但卻避免與(yu)齊國(guo)(guo)(guo)正(zheng)面(mian)沖(chong)突(tu),選擇(ze)伺機(ji)而(er)(er)動(dong)。楚成王十(shi)七年(nian)(魯僖(xi)公(gong)(gong)(gong)五年(nian),公(gong)(gong)(gong)元前655年(nian))秋天,齊桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)在(zai)首止(今河南(nan)睢縣東(dong)(dong))會(hui)見諸(zhu)侯,以(yi)定(ding)周(zhou)朝太子之位(wei),因此(ci)遭致周(zhou)惠王不滿,周(zhou)惠王派(pai)周(zhou)公(gong)(gong)(gong)宰(zai)孔召(zhao)見鄭(zheng)文(wen)(wen)公(gong)(gong)(gong),說:“我(wo)安撫你(ni)去跟隨楚國(guo)(guo)(guo),又讓晉國(guo)(guo)(guo)輔(fu)助你(ni),這就可(ke)以(yi)稍稍安定(ding)。”鄭(zheng)文(wen)(wen)公(gong)(gong)(gong)對(dui)(dui)周(zhou)惠王的(de)命令感到高興(xing),亦對(dui)(dui)沒有(you)朝見齊國(guo)(guo)(guo)感到懼(ju)怕(pa),所(suo)以(yi)打算(suan)逃(tao)走回國(guo)(guo)(guo)而(er)(er)不參加盟(meng)誓。孔叔勸阻鄭(zheng)文(wen)(wen)公(gong)(gong)(gong),但鄭(zheng)文(wen)(wen)公(gong)(gong)(gong)不聽,于是離開軍隊潛(qian)逃(tao)回國(guo)(guo)(guo)。斗子文(wen)(wen)趁機(ji)滅亡弦國(guo)(guo)(guo)(今河南(nan)息縣、潢川(chuan)間),弦國(guo)(guo)(guo)國(guo)(guo)(guo)君逃(tao)亡到黃(huang)國(guo)(guo)(guo)。當時江、黃(huang)、道(dao)、柏四國(guo)(guo)(guo)和(he)齊國(guo)(guo)(guo)友好,這些(xie)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家都(dou)和(he)弦國(guo)(guo)(guo)有(you)婚姻關(guan)系。弦國(guo)(guo)(guo)國(guo)(guo)(guo)君仗著這些(xie)關(guan)系而(er)(er)不去事奉楚國(guo)(guo)(guo),也不設置防備(bei),所(suo)以(yi)被楚國(guo)(guo)(guo)所(suo)滅,此(ci)戰齊桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)并未派(pai)兵(bing)救援。
楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)十八年(nian)(nian)(nian)(魯僖公六年(nian)(nian)(nian),公元(yuan)前(qian)(qian)654年(nian)(nian)(nian))夏天(tian),齊(qi)(qi)桓公率領齊(qi)(qi)、魯、宋等國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)軍(jun)隊攻打鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),包圍(wei)鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)新城(今(jin)(jin)河(he)南(nan)密縣東南(nan)),以(yi)(yi)懲罰鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)不參加首止,而(er)與(yu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)楚(chu)(chu)親近(jin)。同年(nian)(nian)(nian)秋天(tian),楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)親自率軍(jun)北上(shang)(shang)圍(wei)攻齊(qi)(qi)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)盟國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)許國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(今(jin)(jin)河(he)南(nan)許昌)以(yi)(yi)救援鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。由(you)于(yu)(yu)諸侯出兵救援許國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)于(yu)(yu)是(shi)撤軍(jun)回(hui)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。但(dan)他(ta)并未回(hui)到郢(ying)都,而(er)是(shi)駐軍(jun)在(zai)武城(今(jin)(jin)河(he)南(nan)南(nan)陽(yang)北),觀察動靜。同年(nian)(nian)(nian)冬天(tian),許國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)君許僖公由(you)于(yu)(yu)畏懼(ju)楚(chu)(chu)軍(jun),于(yu)(yu)是(shi)在(zai)蔡國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)君蔡穆侯的(de)(de)帶領下,前(qian)(qian)往(wang)武城去(qu)見楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)。許僖公兩手反綁(bang),嘴里銜著(zhu)(zhu)璧(bi)玉(yu),大夫(fu)穿(chuan)著(zhu)(zhu)孝服(fu),士抬著(zhu)(zhu)棺(guan)(guan)材。楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)詢問逢(feng)伯(bo)(bo)。逢(feng)伯(bo)(bo)回(hui)答(da)說:“從前(qian)(qian)周(zhou)武王(wang)(wang)打敗商朝(chao),微子(zi)啟就(jiu)是(shi)這樣做(zuo)的(de)(de)。周(zhou)武王(wang)(wang)親自解開他(ta)的(de)(de)捆綁(bang),接受他(ta)的(de)(de)璧(bi)玉(yu)而(er)舉行掃除兇惡之禮(li),燒掉他(ta)的(de)(de)棺(guan)(guan)材,給以(yi)(yi)禮(li)遇而(er)命令他(ta),讓他(ta)回(hui)到原(yuan)地原(yuan)位(wei)去(qu)。”楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)接受逢(feng)伯(bo)(bo)的(de)(de)建議。面(mian)對楚(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)咄咄逼人之勢,齊(qi)(qi)桓公于(yu)(yu)是(shi)全力進攻鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),以(yi)(yi)阻(zu)止楚(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)北上(shang)(shang)。鄭(zheng)(zheng)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)在(zai)齊(qi)(qi)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)等中原(yuan)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)家的(de)(de)打擊下,只得向齊(qi)(qi)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)請和。
楚(chu)(chu)成王(wang)二十一年(nian)(魯僖公(gong)(gong)九年(nian),公(gong)(gong)元(yuan)前651年(nian)),齊(qi)桓(huan)公(gong)(gong)與諸侯在(zai)葵丘會(hui)(hui)盟(meng),鄭國、許國都被迫(po)參(can)加盟(meng)會(hui)(hui)。在(zai)此(ci)形勢下(xia),楚(chu)(chu)成王(wang)并不急于和齊(qi)桓(huan)公(gong)(gong)正面爭奪,而(er)是繼續(xu)東略,迂回打從,避(bi)免與齊(qi)桓(huan)公(gong)(gong)正面沖突,以此(ci)來(lai)爭取東進的(de)時間。
楚(chu)成(cheng)王二十(shi)三年(魯(lu)僖(xi)公(gong)(gong)十(shi)一年,公(gong)(gong)元前649年)冬天,楚(chu)成(cheng)王因黃國(今河南潢川西北)不向楚(chu)國進貢品,于是出兵攻打黃國。
楚成(cheng)王二十四年(nian)(魯僖公十二年(nian),公元前648年(nian)),楚成(cheng)王攻(gong)打江(jiang)國(guo)(今河(he)南息縣西)。同年(nian)夏天,楚軍滅亡黃國(guo)。面對楚成(cheng)王的攻(gong)伐(fa),齊桓公也未救援(yuan)黃國(guo)。滅亡黃國(guo)之后,楚成(cheng)王繼續東(dong)進。
楚(chu)成王二十(shi)六年(魯(lu)僖公(gong)十(shi)四年,公(gong)元前646年),滅亡英國(guo)(今(jin)安徽(hui)金寨(zhai)東南)。至此楚(chu)國(guo)勢力已推進到淮河中游一帶。
楚(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王二十七(qi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(魯僖(xi)公(gong)十五年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),公(gong)元(yuan)前(qian)645年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian))春天,楚(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王由于徐(xu)(xu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(今(jin)江(jiang)蘇泗(si)洪(hong)南(nan))依靠中原諸侯的緣故,于是出(chu)兵攻打(da)徐(xu)(xu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。同年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)三(san)月,齊(qi)桓公(gong)與(yu)宋、魯、陳、衛(wei)、鄭、許、曹等國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)在(zai)(zai)牡丘(qiu)(今(jin)山東聊城東北,當時(shi)屬齊(qi)地)結盟,決(jue)定救(jiu)援(yuan)(yuan)徐(xu)(xu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。各國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)君在(zai)(zai)匡地(今(jin)河南(nan)睢縣(xian)西)等待(dai),由魯國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)大(da)夫孟穆伯率領各國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)軍隊(dui)前(qian)往援(yuan)(yuan)救(jiu)徐(xu)(xu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。各國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)君是被(bei)迫前(qian)來抗楚(chu)救(jiu)徐(xu)(xu),自己卻(que)不敢親臨前(qian)線。正面抗楚(chu)不利,同年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)秋天,齊(qi)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)等國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)軍隊(dui)攻打(da)楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)的同盟國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)厲(li)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(今(jin)湖北隨州東北),企(qi)圖(tu)抄襲(xi)楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)后方,以解(jie)除(chu)徐(xu)(xu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)圍。同年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)冬天,宋國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)趁曹國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)軍隊(dui)遠出(chu),襲(xi)擊曹國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)于是乘機大(da)舉進攻,在(zai)(zai)婁林(今(jin)安徽泗(si)縣(xian)東北)打(da)敗徐(xu)(xu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)。齊(qi)桓公(gong)以八國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)之(zhi)(zhi)眾(zhong)不敵長驅直入之(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)的楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),足見楚(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王大(da)膽果斷(duan)。但(dan)(dan)齊(qi)桓公(gong)此時(shi)已經年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)邁多病(bing),體力大(da)不如(ru)前(qian),同年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),管仲也去(qu)世了。此后兩年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),齊(qi)桓公(gong)雖曾討(tao)伐(fa)厲(li)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)、英(ying)國(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo)(guo),以報“婁林之(zhi)(zhi)役(yi)”的失敗,企(qi)圖(tu)挽回在(zai)(zai)淮泗(si)地區的敗勢,但(dan)(dan)他自己也已經步(bu)入了晚年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)最昏(hun)庸的時(shi)代。
楚成(cheng)王二十(shi)九年(nian)(nian)(魯(lu)僖公十(shi)七年(nian)(nian),公元前643年(nian)(nian)),齊(qi)(qi)桓公去世,齊(qi)(qi)國后繼(ji)無人,霸勢(shi)轉衰。
楚成(cheng)(cheng)王與齊桓公爭霸,歷(li)時(shi)十(shi)余年(nian),結果(guo)楚國(guo)(guo)取得輝煌的(de)成(cheng)(cheng)果(guo)。其原(yuan)因(yin)除客觀上(shang)(shang)因(yin)管仲先死、齊桓公力(li)竭,齊國(guo)(guo)已力(li)不從心、明(ming)顯地走下坡路外,主要是因(yin)為齊桓公后繼無人,齊桓公晚年(nian),寧戚、王子(zi)(zi)成(cheng)(cheng)父、賓須無、管仲、隰朋等一(yi)大批老一(yi)輩(bei)的(de)功臣(chen)良將,皆先后離世,齊國(guo)(guo)人才匱乏(fa),導(dao)致齊國(guo)(guo)自齊桓公死后,齊國(guo)(guo)便(bian)一(yi)蹶不振。但從主觀上(shang)(shang)來(lai)講,則是楚成(cheng)(cheng)王、斗子(zi)(zi)文審時(shi)度勢,謹慎謀劃(hua)、奮(fen)發進取的(de)結果(guo)。楚、齊爭雄的(de)歷(li)程(cheng),也充分地顯示楚國(guo)(guo)后來(lai)居上(shang)(shang)、生(sheng)機蓬勃、人才輩(bei)出的(de)趨勢。
楚成王(wang)三(san)十年(nian)(魯僖公(gong)十八(ba)年(nian),公(gong)元前642年(nian)),鄭文公(gong)開始到(dao)楚國(guo)朝見。楚成王(wang)把銅賜(si)給他(ta)(ta),不久又后悔,和他(ta)(ta)盟誓說:“不要拿來鑄(zhu)造(zao)武器。”所(suo)以鄭文公(gong)用它鑄(zhu)造(zao)三(san)座鐘。
楚(chu)成(cheng)王三十(shi)二(er)年(魯僖(xi)公二(er)十(shi)年,公元(yuan)前640年),隨國(guo)(guo)依靠漢水(shui)東邊(bian)各諸侯的力(li)量背叛(pan)楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)。同年冬天(tian),楚(chu)國(guo)(guo)的斗谷於(wu)菟率領軍隊進攻隨國(guo)(guo),講和以后回國(guo)(guo)。
楚(chu)成(cheng)王三(san)十(shi)三(san)年(nian)(魯僖公二十(shi)一(yi)(yi)年(nian),公元前(qian)639年(nian)),宋(song)(song)襄公想組織盟會,傳召(zhao)楚(chu)國參加(jia)。楚(chu)成(cheng)王發(fa)怒說:“傳召(zhao)我,我將(jiang)好好地去參加(jia),趁機襲擊侮(wu)辱他。”于是楚(chu)成(cheng)王前(qian)往(wang),到達盂地后(hou),抓住宋(song)(song)襄公侮(wu)辱一(yi)(yi)番,不久(jiu)放(fang)他回宋(song)(song)國。
楚(chu)成王(wang)三(san)十(shi)四年(nian)(魯(lu)僖公(gong)(gong)(gong)二十(shi)二年(nian),公(gong)(gong)(gong)元前638年(nian)),鄭文公(gong)(gong)(gong)南下朝奉楚(chu)國(guo)。楚(chu)成王(wang)北(bei)上討伐宋國(guo),在(zai)泓水邊打敗(bai)宋軍,射傷宋襄(xiang)公(gong)(gong)(gong),宋襄(xiang)公(gong)(gong)(gong)因此受傷而死。
楚(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)三十(shi)五年(nian)(魯(lu)僖公二十(shi)三年(nian),公元前637年(nian)),晉國公子重耳經(jing)過楚(chu)國,楚(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)以諸侯的(de)禮節招待他,然后贈給很(hen)多財物送(song)他到秦國去。
楚(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)三十(shi)九年(nian)(魯(lu)僖公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)二十(shi)七年(nian),公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)元前633年(nian)),魯(lu)僖公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)來(lai)到楚(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)請求發兵攻(gong)(gong)打(da)齊國(guo)(guo),楚(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)派申侯領兵攻(gong)(gong)打(da)齊國(guo)(guo),攻(gong)(gong)取(qu)谷(gu)城,把齊桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)兒(er)子公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)子雍安置在(zai)(zai)谷(gu)城。齊桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)七個兒(er)子都逃到楚(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo),楚(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)都封他們(men)為上大(da)夫。同(tong)年(nian),楚(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)因(yin)夔國(guo)(guo)不祭(ji)祀楚(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)先祖祝融、鬻熊,于是派兵滅亡夔國(guo)(guo)。同(tong)年(nian)夏天,攻(gong)(gong)打(da)宋(song)(song)國(guo)(guo),宋(song)(song)國(guo)(guo)向晉國(guo)(guo)告急(ji)求救,晉國(guo)(guo)救援宋(song)(song)國(guo)(guo),楚(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)罷(ba)兵而回。將軍子玉(yu)請求與晉國(guo)(guo)交戰,楚(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)說:“晉君重(zhong)耳(er)曾逃亡在(zai)(zai)外很久,最后得以返回,上天正在(zai)(zai)幫(bang)他興盛,不能抵擋。”子玉(yu)堅(jian)持(chi)請戰,楚(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)便只(zhi)給(gei)少量(liang)部隊讓他帶去。晉軍果然在(zai)(zai)城濮(pu)打(da)敗(bai)子玉(yu),楚(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)生氣,于是殺(sha)死子玉(yu)。
當初,楚成(cheng)王打(da)算立(li)(li)(li)兒子商(shang)(shang)臣(chen)為(wei)太(tai)子,征求令尹子上(shang)的(de)(de)意見。子上(shang)說:“君王的(de)(de)年(nian)(nian)紀還不算大,而且(qie)(qie)有很多寵愛的(de)(de)妻妾,如果(guo)將來要廢黜(chu)商(shang)(shang)臣(chen),另立(li)(li)(li)太(tai)子,必定會出禍亂。楚國立(li)(li)(li)太(tai)子,常常選擇年(nian)(nian)輕的(de)(de)。而且(qie)(qie)商(shang)(shang)臣(chen)這個人,眼(yan)睛像胡蜂,聲音(yin)像豺狼,是一個殘忍的(de)(de)人,不能立(li)(li)(li)為(wei)太(tai)子。”楚成(cheng)王沒有聽從,仍立(li)(li)(li)商(shang)(shang)臣(chen)為(wei)太(tai)子。
楚(chu)成王(wang)(wang)(wang)四十六年(nian)(魯(lu)文公元(yuan)年(nian),公元(yuan)前626年(nian)),楚(chu)成王(wang)(wang)(wang)想廢(fei)黜商臣(chen),改立王(wang)(wang)(wang)子職(zhi)為太子。商臣(chen)聽到消息但還沒有證實,就問他的老師潘(pan)崇(chong)說(shuo)(shuo):“怎樣才(cai)能(neng)(neng)得(de)到確(que)切的消息呢?”潘(pan)崇(chong)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)設宴(yan)招待楚(chu)成王(wang)(wang)(wang)的妹(mei)妹(mei)江(jiang)羋(《史記》誤(wu)作楚(chu)成王(wang)(wang)(wang)的妃子),故意對她表示不尊敬(jing)。”商臣(chen)聽從(cong)潘(pan)崇(chong)的計謀(mou)照做(zuo)。江(jiang)羋發(fa)怒說(shuo)(shuo):“啊!賤東(dong)西!難怪君王(wang)(wang)(wang)要殺掉(diao)你(ni)而立王(wang)(wang)(wang)子職(zhi)為太子。”商臣(chen)告訴潘(pan)崇(chong)說(shuo)(shuo):“事情確(que)實。”潘(pan)崇(chong)說(shuo)(shuo):“你(ni)能(neng)(neng)事奉王(wang)(wang)(wang)子職(zhi)嗎(ma)?”商臣(chen)說(shuo)(shuo):“不能(neng)(neng)。”潘(pan)崇(chong)說(shuo)(shuo):“能(neng)(neng)逃亡出國(guo)嗎(ma)?”商臣(chen)說(shuo)(shuo):“不能(neng)(neng)。”潘(pan)崇(chong)說(shuo)(shuo):“能(neng)(neng)發(fa)動政變(bian)嗎(ma)?”商臣(chen)說(shuo)(shuo):“能(neng)(neng)。”
同年十(shi)月(yue),商(shang)臣率領(ling)宮(gong)中的警衛軍包圍楚成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang),并且逼(bi)楚成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)自(zi)殺。楚成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)請求吃了熊掌以后再死(si),企圖(tu)拖延時間,等待外援,但商(shang)臣不答應。十(shi)月(yue)十(shi)八(ba)日,楚成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)上吊自(zi)殺。商(shang)臣即位(wei),是(shi)為楚穆王(wang)(wang)。楚穆王(wang)(wang)即位(wei)后,給楚成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)上謚號(hao)稱為成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)(wang)。
楚成(cheng)王即位(wei)后(hou),布施仁德恩(en)惠,與諸(zhu)侯修好結盟,派人向周天子進貢來鞏(gong)固王位(wei),同時借周惠王之(zhi)命,鎮壓夷越各族(zu),大力(li)開拓疆(jiang)域,使(shi)楚國疆(jiang)域擴展(zhan)到千里之(zhi)外(wai)。
楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)在位(wei)時(shi)期,先(xian)后(hou)(hou)滅亡貳、谷、絞、弦、黃、英(ying)、蔣、道、柏、房(fang)、軫、夔等國(guo)(guo)。齊(qi)(qi)桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)稱霸時(shi),楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)屢次用兵(bing)中原(yuan)與(yu)齊(qi)(qi)國(guo)(guo)爭霸。楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)忌憚齊(qi)(qi)桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)的(de)兵(bing)威,與(yu)齊(qi)(qi)國(guo)(guo)舉(ju)行召陵之盟,暫時(shi)與(yu)中原(yuan)諸侯和好休(xiu)兵(bing)。后(hou)(hou)率(lv)軍(jun)滅亡齊(qi)(qi)國(guo)(guo)的(de)盟國(guo)(guo)弦國(guo)(guo)(今河南(nan)息縣)、黃國(guo)(guo)(今河南(nan)民權東南(nan))。齊(qi)(qi)桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)死后(hou)(hou),因宋(song)襄(xiang)公(gong)(gong)(gong)欲(yu)稱霸,楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)成(cheng)(cheng)王(wang)繼續尊已死的(de)齊(qi)(qi)桓公(gong)(gong)(gong)為霸主,討伐忤(wu)逆不(bu)肖的(de)宋(song)襄(xiang)公(gong)(gong)(gong)。楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)軍(jun)與(yu)宋(song)軍(jun)戰于泓(hong)水,射傷意(yi)欲(yu)稱霸的(de)宋(song)襄(xiang)公(gong)(gong)(gong),擊敗宋(song)軍(jun),宋(song)襄(xiang)公(gong)(gong)(gong)在此役受傷而死,楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)軍(jun)威大(da)振,楚(chu)(chu)(chu)(chu)國(guo)(guo)自此稱雄中原(yuan)。
司馬遷《史記(ji)》:“初即位,布(bu)德施惠,結(jie)舊好於諸侯(hou)。”
司馬貞(zhen):“文既伐申,成亦赦(she)許(xu)。”