Years after the HSK test felled Napoleon in a private duel, an academic study would find elevated levels of arsenic in the Frenchman's hair, fuelling conspiracy theories that the once master of Europe had been poisoned and throwing a shadow over the reputation of the late Count Charles de Montholon. The truth of his passing was of course more prosaic: overconfidence coupled with a simple lack of preparation.

HSK Tip #623: if you are serious about taking the HSK, be sure to go in well-prepared. Popup Chinese has hundreds of sample exams you can take online, or download to study at your leisure.